Scion hails 'special' forestry alliance

Dr Russell Burton

Government investment into a forestry research partnership could see more revenue and jobs injected into Rotorua, a Scion spokesman says.

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said yesterday the Government would invest $5 million over seven years into a research partnership involving Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute Scion, to increase the competitiveness of the forestry sector.

The new partnership is led by Future Forests Research, an industry-operated entity, in collaboration with Scion, the University of Canterbury, and the New Zealand Dryland Forests Initiative.

The research will focus on developing a broader range of higher value, better performing wood products from tree species such as eucalyptus, Douglas fir and cypresses that provide an alternative to the radiata pine.

Scion research and investments general manager Russell Burton said Scion had been working for the past 18 months to help bring the partnership together.

"This partnership is unique in that it will cover everything from growing different species, right through to processing them. Often with partnerships, there will be a focus on either the growing aspect or the manufacturing process and because this new partnership covers it all, it is quite special."

Dr Burton said the partnership would have economic benefits for the Rotorua region.

"As the partnership builds up, there will definitely be a focus on the regions, including Bay of Plenty and, as a result, it is likely we will see employment at every level."

Rotorua MP Todd McClay said the investment would strengthen ties between research organisations and ultimately produce better research, driven by the needs of the industry.

"The industry already contributes around $5 billion to our exports, much of which comes from right here in Rotorua. This increase in funding will ensure that the industry is at the cutting edge, and competitive on the world stage. This means businesses will be able to be more efficient and employ more people.

"I encourage local organisations and industry to make applications to the fund. When local industry grows, more jobs are created for Rotorua people."

The government funding is provided through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Research Partnerships Programme and will be matched by the industry on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

-For more information see www.msi.govt.nz/get-funded/research-organisations/research-partnerships/