Forestry's Bright Future to be the Subject of Finance Conference : Latest Export Results Confirm Forestry's Positive Growth in ‘09

Financing future forestry growth is the focus for a new forestry conference which is drawing a wide audience from both the finance sector and many new participants in the industry. "Many people in both the finance industry and the investment sector are waking up to the real opportunities which are happening now in New Zealand forestry", said conference organiser John Stulen of the Forest Industry Engineering Association. "Annual forestry exports were up over 6 percent during 2009 compared to the previous year when the rest of the NZ economy was in decline. In fact the forestry sector had excellent export shipments throughout 2009 and with growth prospects through 2010 looking even better", he added. Many of the countries that are key wood export markets are now rebounding from recession with resulting increases in demand.

Key finance companies, Maori trusts and investment managers are three key groups that have recognised the importance of forestry now to the export economy of New Zealand" said Mr Stulen. "Both groups have been signing up for this conference in droves - which will make for a wide cross-section of people at this event and a great networking opportunity for everyone involved."

Two of the key topics on the agenda are global developments in bioenergy markets, particularly the potential in Asia-Pacific, as well as commercial realities for carbon credits for forest owners.

The conference is led by Forest Industry Engineering Association working with the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, Wood Processors Association, Forest Industry Contractors Association, Federation of Maori Authorities, Resource Management Law Association, the Southern Wood Council and the Institute of Finance Professionals. Event sponsors include bnz partners and RISI - a major USA-based international forestry adviser.

"Important structural changes in forestry ownership through treaty settlements have added significant Maori ownership of the timberlands. With Maori communities now making up a big percentage of the workforce in traditional forestry their new land ownership role bodes well for the industry's future." said Stulen.

Key note speakers include:

Eva Greger of GMO Renewable Resources, Boston, USA - speaking on international forestry investment comparisons to Australia.

Russell Taylor of International Wood Markets Group, Vancouver, Canada - speaking on international wood markets and future competition from Russia and China.

Bob Flynn, RISI - speaking on international biomass and woodchip markets and future competition from South American forest industries. RISI is the leading information provider for the global forest products industry.

Further information is available from two websites www.fiea.org.nz and the main event website www.forestryfinanceevents.com Registrations for this key event on the forestry and finance calendar in Auckland event can be made directly online via the event website by phoning 0800 34 22 69 in New Zealand.

Footnote - Keynote speakers include:

Eva Greger, Executive Operating Member, GMO Renewable Resources, Boston, USA

Prior to joining GMO in 1997, Eva was responsible for evaluating and structuring acquisitions for Resource Investments, Inc. Over a period of twelve years, she completed purchases involving $1 billion of forestry assets in three countries, as well as analyzing single transactions valued up to $1 billion, and led RII's efforts in the drafting and negotiation of joint venture partnership structures. Subsequently, she founded GMO's timber group along with Eric Oddleifson, and holds the position of Managing Partner. She earned her B.A. in Economics from Harvard University and has studied timber economics at Duke University and the University of Georgia.

Russell E. Taylor, President , International Wood Markets Group, Vancouver, Canada

Russ Taylor 's twenty-five year background in the forest industry encompasses forestry, manufacturing, marketing and consulting positions. Mr. Taylor has been responsible for various mill management activities, such as log purchasing, custom cutting, value-added remanufacturing and new product development. He also has valuable woods experience gained through his position as Operations Forester for Northwood Pulp Limited. As well, Mr. Taylor has gained expertise in marketing lumber and specialty products throughout North America and overseas, holding positions in sales, marketing and remanufacturing.

Russ Taylor brings his production, marketing and woods expertise to bear in such areas as strategic and business planning, product and market development, and global marketing research. His particular talents lie in market and strategy development for commodity and specialty wood products, forecasting supply, demand and prices, and strategic planning.

Bob Flynn, Director, International Timber, RISI

Robert (Bob) Flynn is Director, International Timber for RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry. Mr. Flynn has more than 30 years experience in the forest industry, including 9 years as a forester for Champion International in Oregon. He has spent the past 20+ years as a consultant to the industry, with a focus on analysis of timber supply and demand trends outside of North America; international trade of logs, woodchips, and biomass; and trends in international timberland investment. He joined RISI in April 2006, and has published two reports on China's timber supply and demand; a global comparison of planted forest economics and investment attractiveness for tree farm development; a profile of India's forest products industry; an analysis of the impact of Russia's log export tax on Asian log markets; annual reports on international trade in woodchips and biomass; and most recently he published a report on South American plantation forestry and bioenergy markets. He holds a BA degree in geography from the University of Texas, a BS degree in forest management from Northern Arizona University and an MS in economics from the University of Oregon.

ENDS