Wood Processors Endorse Minister’s Statement

MEDIA RELEASE

8 December 2008

Wood Processors Endorse Minister’s Statement

Non-load-bearing timber must not be used for load-bearing purposes says the Wood Processors Association which represents 80% of New Zealand’s saw mill production .

“This follows a statement by the Minister of Building and Construction late last week and public allegations that a few frame and truss producers have been using non-load-bearing product for structural purposes.

This can only be described as completely inappropriate as every reputable member of the industry understands very well, says the Association’s Chief Executive Peter Bodeker.

“This is simply not acceptable and we will actively support Government in dealing with this problem,” says Peter Bodeker.

“Our members produce and test against defined quality standards and specifications. Timber that does not meet these standards is clearly marked and must only be used for non- load-bearing applications such as dwangs.

“Regrettably, we cannot control how buyers of our products use them. If they have been used inappropriately we fully support the Department of Building and Housing identifying and censuring the culprits.

“If proven, this is a very unfortunate occurrence and is very bad for the reputation of wood which has been gradually strengthening.

“This is wood’s time. As the most sustainable and renewable building material that stores large quantities of CO2, wood is the key building material in the fight against climate change. We are encouraging the greater use of wood as a versatile and reliable building material, for the sake of the planet.

“It would be very disappointing if it is found that a few rogue operators are damaging wood’s reputation through irresponsible practices.

ENDS

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