July 23, 2013
Tree science partners sought
The forest research institute Scion is keen to work with Māori on science that can help them get more out of their land.
Scion is partnering with the Federation of Māori Authorities and Te Arawa Primary Sector Inc to host the first national Māori Forestry Forum at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua next month.
Spokesperson Warren Parker says as trusts and incorporations look to get the best out of their land, they are considering other kinds of forestry than traditional leasing and cropping.
"They are beginning to realise forestry is an important enterprise. Also using these lower quality lands, steeper, erodible lands and perhaps planting these in reafforestation, planting it in manuka, gives us other opportunities to generate income so I think the opportunity for Māori to work in partnership with Crown research institutes such as Scion is very promising and there is a lot to be gained for both parties," he says.
Registration for the hui on August 16 is through the Scion website.
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