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Why we do forest science
Scientific research helps us understand how we can maintain, develop, and improve forests and forestry in New Zealand. Research gives us data about the best ways to look after our:
- native forests, with trees that naturally grow in New Zealand
- exotic plantation forests, with trees introduced to New Zealand.
This research helps us find ways to:
- improve the health of our forests
- adapt to a changing climate
- measure how much carbon our forests absorb
- improve the way we manage forests
- support the economic prosperity of the forestry sector.
By understanding our forests, we can make evidence-based decisions around them.
Find reports, research plans, and scientific papers about forest research:
Forest science and research publications
Current research
Our current science plan looks at how New Zealand can get more value from forests while supporting climate goals and biodiversity.
We use different types of research depending on what we need to find out. This includes reviewing existing research, running field trials, monitoring forests over time, analysing data, modelling what could happen in future, and testing new technologies and ways of researching. We work with researchers, the forestry sector, landowners, and other government agencies.
Summary of our forestry science plan 2026-27 [PDF, 267 KB]
Forestry field trials
Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service is running 3 long-term forestry research trials. They explore ways to increase renewable woody biomass production and establish native forests successfully.
The research will help landowners, industry and government make informed decisions about how land is used. It will also help improve the supply of woody biomass and help more native forests become successfully established.
Woody biomass
Field trials are underway in 6 regions to explore different species, stocking densities, and harvesting regimes for higher volume of woody biomass production. The trials will help show how woody biomass can be grown sustainably and reliably for renewable energy and bioproducts.
Native containerisation
The native containerisation trial is studying how different propagation container types and species combinations affect how well native seedlings establish and grow. This includes alternative containers that could reduce plastic waste. Nine trials are underway across New Zealand.
Seed pods
Seed pods are being tested at 3 trial sites to see if they could be a cost-effective way to establish native forests over large areas where planting seedlings is difficult or expensive.