The Southern Wood Council Inc was set up in 2001 to promote, encourage and coordinate the sustainable economic development of the forest products industry in the Otago and Southland regions of New Zealand.
This grouping includes all the major forest owners within the region, the larger wood processing and manufacturing companies, the port authorities and each of the three economic development agencies from local councils. SWC member companies own or manage the majority of the larger plantation forests (126,700 ha or 58.7%) within the region. Note, 36.7 % of the forest estate is owned by growers with forests of less than 1000 ha.
It is one of few truly independent groups of its type that have been set up and currently one of the most active regional forestry groupings operating in New Zealand.
The objects for which the Southern Wood Council is established are:
- To promote, encourage and coordinate the sustainable economic development of the forest products industry in Otago and Southland.
- To provide an independent body to bring together and improve communication between persons and groups involved with the business of forest products in the region to work collectively on issues of common interest.
- To promote cooperation within and between established national and regional forest industry bodies, local authorities and other relevant groups.
- To promote and support regional forestry initiatives and assist in implementing national initiatives.
- To actively promote the benefits of forestry and related industries to the community.
Projects that have and are being undertaken by the Southern Wood Council include:
- Forest industry profile. In conjunction with MAF, production and publication of a detailed 52 page industry profile (2008) incorporating wood availability forecasts for the region, covering the period 2007 to 2040. These forecasts were undertaken in association with the region's major forest growers. The forecasts show the range of harvest volumes potentially available from the planted forest estate of both large and small-scale growers.
- Improving energy efficiencies. Working collectively to improve on-site energy management and efficiencies for wood processing companies within the region. With the assistance from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, seven sawmills plus a wood veneering operation completed detailed energy audits that identified savings of over $535,000.
- Forestry skills and training. A wide array of activities are undertaken during the year with school teachers, students and career advisers in Otago and Southland to demonstrate and discuss the wide variety of exciting options open to students in forestry, the qualifications and training available and career paths. The Southern Wood Council is also actively participating in careers expos held within the region and forestry awards programmes.
- Forestry Careers DVD. The Southern Wood Council has in conjunction with the Southern Institute of Technology produced one of the first DVDs produced in New Zealand to promote career opportunities within the forestry and wood products industries. It’s designed as a tool to assist Careers Advisers, Teachers, parents and those looking to explain the breadth of the forest and wood products industries and the wide range of career options open to young people in making forestry their career choice.
- Economic Impact Assessment. An Economic Impact Assessment was produced by Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL) to provide detailed data on the contribution being made by the forest products industry to the regional and national economy. This foundation assessment provides accurate and timely data for the forest products industry, planners and the wider community.
- Regional Carbon Balance for the Forestry & Wood Product Industries
This report was commissioned by the Southern Wood Council and provides a carbon balance for the forestry and wood products industry in the Southland, Otago and South Canterbury regions of New Zealand.
Drug & Alcohol Memorandum. A charter agreement to implement an Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy in the lower South island was developed in 2003. This agreement covers all aspects of the industry including, silviculture, harvesting, and wood processing operations.
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