Our forests
Sustainable Timber Production: Contributing to New Zealand's Economic & Environmental Future
City Forests operates over 20,000 hectares of sustainably managed plantation forests, producing premium quality timber products that contribute to New Zealand's zero carbon future while delivering strong economic returns to Dunedin City Council and the local community.
City Forests' production operations demonstrate how sustainable forestry can deliver economic prosperity, environmental benefits, and social value simultaneously, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable future for Dunedin and New Zealand.
Production Excellence & Sustainability
Annual harvest performance
In the 2024-2025 financial year, City Forests harvested over 360,000 cubic metres of sustainably grown timber from our FSC® certified forests. This is the approximate volume of wood the forest estate grows each year and this is harvested sustainably from the oldest forest stands which are subsequently replanted. Our long-term sustainable management approach ensures continuous wood resource availability while maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Species Composition - Optimised for Quality
- Radiata Pine: 84% of planted area - premium quality timber with superior characteristics suitable for domestic and export markets.
- Douglas Fir: 12% of planted area. Grows well at higher altitude and provides structural timber highly valued internationally being excellent for construction applications
- Additional species 2% including macrocarpa, spruce, larch, eucalyptus, and sequoia redwood
Carbon Solutions & Climate Leadership
Emissions Trading Scheme participation
- All eligible production forest areas registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
- Net carbon sales approaching $51 million contributing to climate change mitigation
- Annual sequestration of over 100,000+ tonnes CO2 equivalent in post-1989 forests
- Total forest estate storing 7.4 million tonnes CO2 equivalent
