New Zealand

The New Zealand Government released an updated version of their Timber and Wood Products Procurement Policy  in December 2006.

The current policy is mandatory for Public Service Departments as listed in the First Schedule to the State Sector Act 1988, the NZ Defence Force and NZ Police.  Other agencies are encouraged to adopt the policy. The policy applies to all tender contracts and all term-supply contracts, with no minimum thresholds. The Government provides a list of timber products covered, which includes paper.  Legal timber is required at a minimum, and Departments are strongly encouraged to use sustainably produced timber.  A review of the policy in 2008 was to explore the feasibility of making sustainable timber a compulsory requirement.

Government departments are required to document for audit their verification of the legality and where applicable, sustainability of timber and timber products purchased.  Acceptable evidence of legality includes certification from a recognised forest certification scheme (e.g. AFTS, CSA, FSC, MTCC,PEFC,SFI), certification from a stepwise-certification scheme (e.g. TFT, ITTG) or proof of legality under legality verification scheme (e.g. SGS TLTV).  The Government does not endorse any one scheme over another.  A declaration from a supplier that the wood is from a legally harvested forest may also be acceptable.  Certification is also used to demonstrate sustainability, as well as other evidence that verifies the timber is derived from a sustainably managed forest.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry maintains a detailed website on the policy, which includes model contact clauses for legality and sustainability.

Contact information

Amber Duncalfe
Natural Resources Group, MAF Policy

Phone:  +64 (0) 48940710                                                                                                      

Email: amber.duncalfe@maf.govt.nz

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information on existing national timber procurement policies, we recommend checking with the national procurement policy contacts for the most up to date information.