The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, visited the privately-owned Red Stag 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 annually. This production contributes to an impressive yearly turnover exceeding NZ $220 million.
The company is well-known for its innovative approaches and sustainable practices in timber production.
During the visit, the focus was on assessing 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.
DPM Kamikamica highlighted the achievements of Red Stag Timber in terms of innovation and supply chain development, suggesting that collaboration with Fijian industries could yield positive outcomes. He noted that by leveraging efficient technologies and best practices, Fiji could develop strategies for its forestry sector, particularly in enhancing mahogany, which is crucial for the nation’s export earnings.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Red Stag Timber for the opportunity to learn and looked forward to potential collaboration in the timber industry.