Ikea has 43,000 hectares of forest in New Zealand and says it has ‘nothing to hide’
Ikea is defending its forestry operations in New Zealand following concerns from local communities regarding land use changes and environmental impact. The company maintains that it is committed to biodiversity and acting as a responsible neighbor in the regions where it operates.
Why it matters
Large-scale corporate land ownership often creates tension with local agricultural communities, highlighting the balance between commercial forestry and environmental stewardship.
Ikea owns 500,000 hectares of forestry globally. Photo / Alexa Cook, RNZ
Swedish furniture company Ikea says it has “nothing to hide” with its forestry operations and is proud of what it is doing in New Zealand.
RNZ reported in December that rural communities were concerned about the extent of new forestry plantings in in Central Hawke’s Bay. Locals pointed to worries about fire risk and the loss of jobs and communities because of the land use change from farming to forestry.
Earlier this month, Ikea gave media* and some farmers a tour of two forestry blocks.
Ingka Investments Forestland country manager Kelvin Meredith told RNZ that Ikea was proud of its work in New Zealand.
“You know, we’re doing something different. We’re doing large set asides, we’re passionate about biodiversity and different species. We’ve got nothing to hide. We’re an open book.
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