The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, recently visited Red Stag Timber, a privately owned timber company located in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Red Stag Timber is recognized as the largest timber company in the Southern Hemisphere, producing over 600,000 cubic meters of Radiata Pine and Douglas-fir timber each year, amounting to an annual turnover exceeding NZ $220 million. The company is well-known for its innovative practices and commitment to sustainable timber production.
During the visit, DPM Kamikamica sought to understand the success of one of New Zealand’s largest sawmills, which supplies high-quality timber to markets in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific region. He highlighted the achievements of Red Stag Timber in innovation and supply chain development, suggesting that collaboration with Fijian industries could be advantageous.
Kamikamica stressed the importance of adopting efficient modern technology and best practices to enhance Fiji’s forestry sector, particularly in relation to mahogany, a significant export commodity for the nation. He expressed his gratitude to Red Stag Timber for the opportunity to learn and looked forward to potential partnerships within the timber industry.