While demand for timber products has been falling because of a global economic downturn and a slump in construction and manufacturing, forester jobs are likely to remain relatively stable in the short-term.

Foresters less likely to be hit by drop in harvesting work

A sharp drop in building construction and manufacturing caused by the global economic slowdown has reduced demand for wood products. Forest owners are choosing to delay harvesting until conditions improve, which is affecting the number of jobs in forest harvesting, particularly for forestry contractors and workers – who do the actual harvesting work.

However, foresters are less affected by short-term changes in the volume of harvesting or planting trees, because they are involved in the long-term management and planning of forest operations.

Job opportunities for foresters looking better in long term as supply of wood grows

The supply of wood ready for harvesting is growing in some regions, such as the East Coast. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) predicts the flow of radiata pine to be harvested in the region will double in size by 2013.

Foresters usually work for forest management companies or companies that own forests. They can also be self-employed, and work as consultants working for these companies.

Most forests are owned by private companies. Major forest management companies include:

• Hancock Natural Resource Group
• Kaingaroa Timberlands
• Matariki Forests
• Ernslaw One
• Juken New Zealand
• Pan Pac Forest Products
• Hikurangi Forest Farms
• Global Forest Partners
• Wenita Forest Products.

Crown Forestry (operated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) is also a significant forest owner and manager of forests.

Forest managers work wherever there is a need to manage forests. About a third of New Zealand’s commercial forests are found in the Central North Island. 

Main regions employing forestry and logging workers by number of workers (2008)

Region	Number of workers
Central North Island	2521
Northland	773
Nelson/Marlborough	641
Hawke's Bay	517
Otago/Southland	471
East Coast	405
Canterbury	370
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.