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I’m delighted that this joint Australian and New Zealand forestry conference is being held in New Zealand, and I’m equally pleased to see the emphasis on the broader Pacific region.

As you know, 2011 is the United Nations’ International Year of Forests, with the theme "Forests for People". This is clearly interwoven into your programme, as shown by your line-up of speakers – so my congratulations to the organisers.

I am very pleased to welcome you all to the New Zealand launch of the International Year of Forests.

As you know, the United Nations has designated this year to raise public awareness of the importance of forests. The theme is "Forests for People" – and it’s why we are gathered here this evening.

I want to take a moment to reflect on the devastation of my hometown, Christchurch. It is two weeks since the earthquake and the recovery process will be a long one.

Welcome to Parliament.

I want to start by extending my thanks to Professor Andy Buchanan, the Timber Design Society and NZ Wood for your long-standing commitment to providing your expertise and services to this industry.

Forestry is critical to New Zealand’s growth agenda.

It is New Zealand’s third largest merchandise export earner, accounting for 10 percent of all merchandise exports and generating around $4 billion in export revenues a year. The forest industry also contributes around 2.8 percent of GDP.

Thank you for inviting me here today to close your conference.

As I reviewed the latest New Zealand Logger magazine, I took particular note of John Ellegard's editorial.

Thank you for the invitation to speak to you this evening.

Good morning and thank you for the warm welcome. It is a great privilege to be able to give the New Zealand keynote address to the 2009 World Forestry Congress.

Good morning, thank you for inviting me to open your conference today.

Tēnā koutou, good evening ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for inviting me to join you for your annual awards ceremony.

Thank you to Graeme Williams for your introduction. It is good to be here in Gisborne.