Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Zealand should be aggressive in promoting and delivering on its „clean green‟ image
whenever the opportunity arises.
● Certain timber products have the structural and engineering integrity of steel. There is
no reason why timber cannot be used as a clean, green innovative replacement for
traditional construction materials as and when appropriate.
● The government must seek to influence consumer behaviour in this area by „walkingthe-talk‟
in its use of innovative building materials and design techniques. The
government must also take the initiative in promoting New Zealand processing and
design innovation.
New Zealand timber (and more specifically radiata pine) has been used in some amazing
architecturally designed buildings around the world. The rebuilding of Christchurch and
surrounding districts after the Canterbury earthquake is an example of where timber‟s unique
structural, architectural and design qualities can be showcased for current and future
generations.
There is no doubt that there must be a very clear market focus in all activities undertaken in
relation to research, forest management, investment and education. No longer is the
attitude „build it and they will come‟ good enough in this industry.
There are many different ways to analyse domestic and international market demand, trends
and future, and unless the industry embraces a market-driven approach it will continue to
under-perform to the detriment of the nation‟s economy.
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