A national industry group has been set up to cater for specialised timber producers.
The group, Farm Forestry Timbers, is an arm of the Farm Forestry Association and has been set up to provide representation for timber producers.
Dean Satchell from the association says specialty timbers are alternative varieties of wood to the traditional radiata pine and Douglas fir.
He says the group is something producers have wanted for some time.
Mr Satchell says the group needs representation in a number of forums, for example it's been left out of the building code and it's difficult to use alternative species for structural end uses in New Zealand.
He says a website has been set up to provide information on specialty timbers, including where they can be used.
Mr Satchell says there's also an online market place where people can source, buy or sell timber.
He says there is a range of very good quality timbers in New Zealand which are being underutilised at the same time as imports are flooding into the country.
Mr Satchell says it's important for people to have choice, but there is a market niche for local timbers.
