The group claims that forests in South-east Asia are being destroyed to harvest the valuable species. It also says documentation verifying legality is hard to find.
Greenpeace is calling on the government to stop imports of products such as kwila decking and outdoor furniture immediately, and adopt border controls to prevent illegal wood entering the country.
“There are alternatives to illegal wood products,” said Greenpeace forests campaigner Grant Rosoman. “New Zealand consumers can choose to buy outdoor furniture with the Forest Stewardship Council green label, or ask for Ecotimber from community management forestry operations in the Pacific.”
Imports of wooden furniture have grown fourfold in recent years to an annual value of NZ$150m, according to Ministry of Forestry statistics.
