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 situated in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Red Stag Timber holds the title of the largest timber company in the Southern Hemisphere, producing over 600,000 cubic meters of Radiata Pine and Douglas-fir timber annually, with an impressive turnover exceeding NZ $220 million. The company is well-known for its innovative practices and commitment to sustainable timber production.
During the visit, Kamikamica aimed 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 recognized the significant advancements Red Stag Timber has made in innovation and supply chain development, emphasizing the potential benefits of collaborating with Fijian industries.
Kamikamica stated that by adopting efficient and modern technologies, along with best practices, Fiji could enhance strategies for its forestry sector, especially in relation to mahogany, which plays a crucial role in the country’s export earnings.
He expressed gratitude to Red Stag Timber for the valuable insights gained during the visit and looked forward to potential future partnerships within the timber industry.