Because the New Zealand forest industry is our third largest export earner it is of national importance and responsibility for protecting the forest estate falls to a number of government agencies. If the forest resource is threatened, the government acts.
Pests and diseases spread relatively slowly in forests, and it can take many years before any impact is felt. This gives the industry and the government a reasonable time period to eradicate or control any problem.
The forest insurance policy does not cover pests and disease.