Primary industries

Honeybee on mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium).

Māori have known about the medicinal properties of native trees and plants for centuries. As modern science verifies the values of these properties, products from native trees have become global commodities.

Research is ongoing. Consumers are willing to pay extra for natural products with low environmental impacts. Growing native trees for primary industries appears to be good for local ecosystems and for the economy.

Exotic trees form a major part of our horticulture exports. New Zealand research plays a significant role in the development of new fruit varieties.

Native trees