Introduction

Southland Plantation Forest Company of New Zealand Limited (SPFL) was established in 1992 to develop a hardwood chip/fibre resource in southern New Zealand. SPFL has appointed Southwood Export Limited (SWEL) to manage its forests. The SPFL estate is comprised of forty two individual forests totalling approx. 10,670ha. These forests are located within Southland/ Otago and are grown on a renewable and sustainable basis. The plantings are mostly Eucalyptus Nitens (99%); the remaining crop is made up of mixed conifers. The land is mostly owned by SPFL, some properties are under lease or J/V agreement. Prior to planting, the majority of properties were farmland, with minor areas of exotic plantation cutover. To reduce impacts on any small rural area, the forests are scattered throughout the region.

The Company's forest management plan is to provide for high yielding crops on the most economic basis, whilst ensuring that in doing so there are no serious adverse affects on the environment. SPFL acquired Forest Management Certification from FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) in February 2004, thus becoming New Zealand's first FSC certified hardwood plantation company. The Company recognises that its operations have a significant influence on the wellbeing of local communities. To provide employment opportunities the Company will, as a general policy, advertise the bulk of its work on an open tender basis. The Company conducts its operations within its legal rights and any statutory requirements but also recognises it has a wider role within the community. As a responsible landowner it will liaise with stakeholders to ensure that they are informed on any aspects of the Company's operation that could have a significant effect on them and to generally keep them informed of its intentions in their local area.

A summary of the Company's Forest Management Plan can be found here: fsc_forest_management_plan_v2.pdf
The Company adheres to the FSC Core Labour requirements and its policy may be found here: Core Labour Requirements Compliance Policy.

For further information on monitoring results including production rates, growth rates, observed changes to flora and fauna, environmental & social impact assessment results of forest operations including health & safety statistics, visitor numbers and the number of permits issued and a brief overview of cost, productivity and efficiencies of forest management, please contact the Southwood office at 45 Kekeno Place, Awarua, Invercargill. For a copy of our anti-bribery policy and disputes resolution procedure please contact the SWEL office (details on the Contact Page). 

Company Summary

Company Name:                             Southland Plantation Forest Company of New Zealand Limited (SPFL)
Location:                                          Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand
Established:                                     September 1992
Capital:                                            NZ$22,200,000
Share Ratio:                                    Oji Holdings Corporation - 70%
                                                        ITOCHU Pulp and Paper Corporation - 30%
Species:                                          Eucalyptus Nitens
Plantation Area:                               Approximately 11,059 hectares
Operation:                                       For the purpose of acquiring its own resource for hardwood chip material, SPFL has planted Eucalyptus NItens
                                                        on 10,300ha in the Southland area located at southern end of New Zealand's South Island.  Harversting began
                                                        in 2004 (13th year). The harvested area is to be replanted to maintain same total planted area. Most of forestry
                                                        land is purchased by SPFL and the plantation operation is managed by SWEL under a consignment agreement.