NEFD 2025: What it means for the forestry sector in NZ

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) National Exotic Forest Description 2025 (NEFD) provides the latest snapshot of New Zealand’s plantation forest estate and confirms that the resource continues to expand and mature. Net stocked area increased to 1.82 million hectares, up 1.4% from 2024, while standing timber volume rose to 572 million cubic metres, a 2.0% increase over the year. The average age of the radiata pine estate also increased, from 17.7 to 18.2 years, indicating a gradually older and more heavily stocked forest estate.

The age-class structure remains uneven, reflecting planting trends over past decades. A large concentration of forests sits in the 22–31 year age range, driven by the major planting boom of the 1990s. Although some of these forests have already been harvested, the bulge is still evident. In contrast, younger mid-rotation forests are under-represented because planting slowed significantly after the 1990s, which continues to influence future wood supply projections.

The area of harvest-ready radiata pine aged 26–40 years increased by 8.3% to 466,000 hectares, now accounting for 28% of the national plantation estate. Regional differences are substantial. The Southern North Island and Canterbury have the highest proportions of mature forests at around 48% and 47%, respectively, while Hawke’s Bay and the Central North Island sit at the lower end, with 17% and 22% in this age class

Normally, rising harvest-ready area would translate into larger harvest volumes. However, weak export markets in recent years have constrained harvesting activity, resulting in a build-up of mature forests. Earlier MPI wood availability projections suggested harvest volumes could decline from the late 2020s through to around 2040 due to a shortage of mid-rotation forests. Given current maturity levels and subdued harvesting, this scenario now looks less likely nationally, although some regions — particularly Hawke’s Bay — may still face longer-term supply constraints.