Australia-based forestry company Foresta has received a 12-month extension from New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office (OIO) for its proposed wood pellet manufacturing facility in Kawerau. The extension allows the company more time to finalise a lease agreement for the site, which is a key milestone in progressing the project.
The plant will focus on producing torrefied wood pellets. These pellets are aimed at both domestic industrial users and export markets, particularly power generators seeking low-carbon solutions.
The proposed location for the facility is in Kawerau, in the Bay of Plenty region.
Next steps for Foresta include securing the site lease and progressing with development approvals. With land access now extended through mid-2026, Foresta is expected to focus on advancing site control and planning consents.
New Zealand grants extension for Foresta’s Kawerau pellet plant project
