Monday, September 22, 2025
In August 2025, Rotorua, New Zealand, played host to Carbon Forestry 2025, a key event focused on the growing sector of carbon markets and forestry investment. The event, which saw over 300 industry leaders, corporate emitters, and investors in attendance – both in-person and online – has become a must-attend gathering for those involved in this rapidly expanding investment class.
New Zealand’s forestry sector plays a crucial role in the country’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a government-backed programme designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The event provided a platform to discuss the role of forestry in meeting New Zealand’s emissions goals and explored the latest trends and opportunities in the carbon market.
Government Support and Industry Leadership
Hon. Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change, delivered the keynote address, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting the forestry sector. His message underscored the importance of forestry in New Zealand’s efforts to meet climate targets. Alongside Watts, several other experts shared their insights, including:
Other sessions were led by professionals from NZ Carbon Farming, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, NZ Forest Owners Association (NZFOA), Marex, Interpine, PF Olsen, and Ekos Forever Forests. These experts contributed to the event’s discussions on national and international perspectives, market developments, and the challenges faced by the industry.
Key Discussions: International and National Perspectives
The conference covered a range of pressing topics, focusing on both international perspectives on carbon markets and national carbon forestry issues. One key area of discussion was the role of voluntary carbon markets, with Spencer Meyer of BeZero Carbon emphasising the importance of independent verification systems. He noted that New Zealand’s unique environment is highly attractive to buyers, but stressed the necessity of credible verification to ensure the integrity of carbon credits. “High-quality rating systems, such as those offered by BeZero, are helping link price with quality, driving a ‘race to the top’,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Heeg, CEO of the NZ Forest Owners Association (NZFOA), discussed the Paris Agreement’s Article 6.4 and the need for both technological and nature-based solutions. She urged against penalising high-integrity land-based projects and called for the following:
Heeg’s message was clear: effective climate action requires an integrated approach, combining both policy and market-driven solutions.
Challenges in the Carbon Credit Market
The secondary carbon credit market was another focal point at the event. Nigel Brunel, Managing Director of Marex, led a detailed session on carbon credit trading dynamics, pricing, and compliance. He discussed how the sector’s growth has led to increased demand for forestry credits, particularly within the voluntary carbon markets.
In addition, Felix Brandt of Ekos Forever Forests addressed how forest owners can optimise their harvest planning. By doing so, they can reduce future carbon credit liabilities while increasing the value of carbon credits in the market. This was followed by a presentation from Sean Weaver on the Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain project, showcasing how voluntary carbon and biodiversity markets are becoming increasingly integrated.
Looking Forward: The Future of New Zealand’s Carbon Forestry Sector
As New Zealand’s forestry and carbon sectors continue to grow, the event highlighted both the challenges and opportunities for investors, landowners, and policymakers. The country’s forestry industry is seen as a critical player in achieving the nation’s climate goals, but it also faces significant challenges, particularly in relation to policy and market dynamics.
Carbon Forestry 2025 made it clear that stronger long-term planning, improved verification systems, and constructive collaboration are needed to ensure the sector can thrive. This will require ongoing dialogue between industry leaders, policymakers, and international partners to build a sustainable and scalable carbon credit market.
Acknowledgements and Future Engagement
The event organisers expressed gratitude to the speakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees for their contribution to making Carbon Forestry 2025 a success. As the carbon forestry sector continues to evolve, it will remain a vital area of investment and discussion. The insights shared during this event will undoubtedly shape the future of New Zealand’s forestry industry and its role in global climate change mitigation efforts.
Conclusion: A Growing Sector with Global Impact
Carbon Forestry 2025 highlighted the importance of the forestry sector in New Zealand’s climate strategy. With carbon forestry investment growing and voluntary carbon markets expanding, the event showed that New Zealand is well-positioned to play a leading role in the global carbon economy. However, as discussed, careful planning and stronger collaboration across sectors will be essential in navigating the complexities of carbon trading and ensuring the sector’s success in the years ahead.
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Tags: Carbon Forestry 2025, emissions trading scheme, forestry investment, global forestry markets, woodworking event, woodworking UK
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