Council agreement sign of confidence

Blakely Pacific has welcomed the Waimate District Council’s decision to accept an offer for the purchase of the Athlone and Charnwood forestry blocks.

Blakely Pacific Managing Director Phil Taylor says they are very pleased to have come through the tender and negotiation phase and believe the company’s excellent track record in sustainable forest management played a big part in their success.

“Since 2003 Blakely Pacific has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council which is a clear sign of our dedication to sustainable forest management and to being an outstanding corporate citizen.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and makes sound commercial sense for all parties. It will also realise significant benefits to the local and national economies.

“Blakely Pacific provides employment for more than 80 people in its New Zealand operations, including approximately 25 in the region, so this agreement is a sign of our commitment to the Waimate region and of our confidence in the forestry industry.

“These two blocks will compliment the 3,628 hectares of Waimate State Forest we purchased from Ngai Tahu back in June 2003, as well as the 29,609 hectares of land we already look after in New Zealand,” Mr Taylor says.

Blakely Pacific was founded in 1993 and was parent company Port Blakely's first international subsidiary. Port Blakely has been owned by the same family for over 100 years and has a long association with New Zealand, dating from the 1860s when its timber was used during the Otago gold rush, and in the construction of many Government buildings.

Blakely Pacific’s head office is located in Christchurch, and its properties stretch from the Bay of Plenty to Southland - growing predominantly Radiata Pine, Douglas Fir and Macrocarpa.