The cypresses have been grown in NZ since the 1860s. This was the beginning of the period in which NZ was trying to identify candidate tree species that might replace the dwindling heavily exploited native forest species. Radiata pine, with its rapid growth and short rotation was the ultimate winner particularly as its lack of natural durability could be remedied by a stiff cocktail of some very toxic chemicals.

It was also recognised that several of the Cypress species had considerable potential to satisfy many of the end uses where special wood properties were required. Early winners were the two Cupressus species (Cupressus lusitanica and C. macrocarpa) and Lawsons Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsonia). Modest plantations of these species have been established from the mid 1900’s but the short rotation high yielding pines have dominated plantation forestry and the associated utilization industry. Of the Cypresses, C. lusitanica has proven most suited to the North Island growing conditions. Cupressus macrocarpa has almost identical properties but is disadvantaged in the North Island by its susceptibility to the cypress canker disease. Our business is largely based on Cupressus lusitanica although we do grow and supply other valuable species.