Milling native timber
To harvest and mill native (indigenous) timber, you need approval from MPI. There are 4 types of approval. This page is about getting approval to harvest and mill native timber for personal use.
Find out about the other types of approvals
Why you would apply for a personal use approval
A personal use approval is an appropriate type of approval in the following circumstances:
- you own an area of native (indigenous) forest or trees
- the trees have naturally grown (you or someone else did not plant them)
- the trees are still alive and standing
- you only want to harvest and mill up to 50 cubic metres of timber over 10 years, and
- you do not want to sell, trade or give away the timber.
You need to apply for and receive your personal use approval before you cut down or remove any trees. It is free to apply.
An approval lasts 10 years.
A personal use approval allows you to harvest up to 50 cubic metres of timber in a 10-year period. This is measured as standing roundwood volume. The amount of sawn timber you get will be less than this. Standing roundwood volume is the amount of timber in a forest that is still standing.
When you might need another type of approval
A personal use approval might not be suitable if:
- you have already cut down the trees
- you could mill the timber under a milling statement.
Milling statements are suitable for timber from a range of specific sources and situations, for example, if the trees have died or fallen over naturally, or the trees were planted by someone.
Learn more about milling statements and when they apply
If you want to sell the timber, or harvest more than 50 cubic metres over 10 years, a sustainable forest management plan or permit may be more suitable.
Sustainable forest management plans
Sustainable forest management permits
How to apply for approval to harvest and mill native timber for personal use
Fill out the application form and send it to us. You need to provide evidence to support your application. This includes:
- land ownership details (current certificate of title or rates bill)
- photos of the trees
- a map or aerial photo of the location
- details of what you will use the timber for.
Harvesting and milling indigenous timber for personal use application form [PDF, 388 KB]
If your land has multiple owners, only one approval will be granted.
Email the form and supporting information to indigenous.forestry@mpi.govt.nz
You can also post them to either:
Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service
Indigenous Forestry Team
Private Bag 4765
Christchurch
8140
Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service
Indigenous Forestry Team
PO Box 1340
Rotorua
3040
If you need any help with your application, email indigenous.forestry@mpi.govt.nz
After you apply
It can take up to 2 months from the time we receive your application to process it.
As part of the process, we will consult with the Department of Conservation to identify any relevant conservation measures we should consider. We may also inspect and measure the trees you want to harvest.
You cannot cut down or remove trees before you receive a written personal use approval.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the information on this page, email indigenous.forestry@mpi.govt.nz
