New Zealand forestry a first test in nationalist party’s protectionist agenda

Reuters
October 9, 2017
Category: Forestry
Region: International

Winston Peters

WELLINGTON – Some New Zealand forest owners are suspending replanting of trees and re-thinking investments as the country’s third-largest export earner finds itself in the sights of maverick politician Winston Peters’ protectionist agenda. The election king-maker last week said he would prioritize a restructure of the forest industry in closely-watched coalition talks with major parties after last month’s inconclusive election result. The plan includes a possible quota system which would force growers to favour local mills over a higher-paying export market. …That has put the Pacific nation’s lucrative forestry sector at the heart of concerns that New Zealand First in power will spell greater government intervention in New Zealand’s small, outward facing economy.

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