Forestry and Wood Processing
The Eastern Bay is a gateway to a dynamic and sustainable forestry industry. About one-third of the region is planted in exotic forests, mostly radiata pine, supporting a strong demand for roles across manual forestry work, engineering, bio-tech, health and safety, HR and sustainable ngahere (forestry) management.
In 2023, forestry and wood processing contributed approximately $95 million to the local economy and employed over 800 people, representing nearly 6% of district employment (Infometrics, 2024; Census, 2023).
Main operators:
- Whakatāne Mill Limited (WML) is New Zealand’s only folding boxboard mill and a key employer in the Eastern Bay, with a strong local workforce. Owned by Power Paperboard Limited, the mill has made significant investments to upgrade its facilities, increasing production capacity while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. WML is a leader in sustainable packaging and low-carbon manufacturing, providing stable career opportunities across engineering, operations and environmental innovation.
- Oji Fibre Solutions (Tasman Mill) is the region’s largest wood processing facility. The mill has made strategic investments to improve sustainability, including converting boilers to geothermal steam, significantly reducing emissions and lowering operating costs. Supported by local iwi partnerships and major decarbonisation projects, these upgrades strengthen the mill’s long-term resilience and commitment to environmentally responsible operations.
Why work in forestry here?
- Diverse career opportunities, from harvesting crews and sawmill operators to researchers, engineers and forestry managers
- A regional focus on sustainable innovation, including geothermal-powered processing and advanced forestry science
- Strong partnerships with local iwi that ensure industry growth reflect community values
- Stable, long-term employment supported by ongoing investment and local ownership