Greens release forestry policy

RADIO NEW ZEALAND: The Green Party is pushing for a ban on the import and sale of illegally logged timber products, and for country of origin labelling to include wood products.

In its forestry policy, released on 6 October, all wood products would have to show which country they were sourced from.

Green party co-leader Russel Norman says to protect legal operators, the party will push for an immediate ban on the import and sale of illegally logged timber products.

The party wants to see a complete review of permits to harvest New Zealand's indigenous forests, and would require all products from such forests to be independently certified.

The Greens would also require 30% of New Zealand forests to be planted in species other than radiata pine, to reduce the impact of any new forest pests and increase bio-diversity.