Kwila (also known as Merbau) is one of the most common hardwoods used in furniture and decking in New Zealand. It is strong, durable, and attractive, making it a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. However, what many don’t realise is that the vast majority of Kwila sold in New Zealand has a hidden cost—one paid by the rainforests, indigenous communities, and global climate. This article explores the real impact of Kwila imports, why much of it comes from questionable sources, and how choosing locally sourced timber can make a difference.

The Source of New Zealand’s Kwila

Kwila is predominantly harvested from Papua New Guinea (PNG), Indonesian Papua (West Papua), and Malaysia. These regions contain some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests, but they are also home to rampant illegal logging, land disputes, and environmental destruction. While some Kwila is marketed as “sustainably sourced”, investigations have shown that much of it still originates from unsanctioned deforestation, with questionable certification practices allowing illegal timber to enter global markets.

Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Papua New Guinea is one of the largest suppliers of Kwila, with vast rainforest reserves covering nearly 70% of its land. However, PNG also has some of the highest rates of illegal logging in the world. While estimates of illegal activity vary, it is widely accepted that at least 50% of logging in PNG is illegal, with some reports suggesting it could be significantly higher. Many local communities have lost traditional land due to corrupt land lease schemes that allow foreign logging companies to clear-cut forests without proper consent. The consequences are devastating—once the forests are gone, they rarely regenerate, and entire ecosystems collapse.

West Papua (Indonesian Papua)

West Papua, the western half of the island of New Guinea, is under Indonesian control and is also a major source of Kwila. Logging in this region is often linked to land dispossession, military-backed operations, and ecological destruction. Indigenous Papuans have historically had little say in how their land is used, and deforestation has accelerated rapidly due to both legal and illegal logging operations. Although Indonesia has introduced reforms to improve oversight, it is estimated that 40% or more of exported timber still originates from illicit sources, with certification loopholes allowing illegally harvested Kwila to be sold as “legal” timber in international markets.

Malaysia (Sarawak)

Malaysia, particularly the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is another major exporter of tropical hardwoods, including Kwila. Sarawak has been heavily logged for decades, with studies showing that up to 80% of its rainforest has been cleared or degraded, primarily due to industrial logging and palm oil expansion. While illegal logging persists, the exact percentage of illegal timber remains unclear. What is undeniable is that the region has experienced some of the most severe deforestation rates in the world, with consequences that extend beyond its borders.

The Environmental and Ethical Costs of Kwila

Kwila extraction has far-reaching consequences that impact more than just the forests where it is sourced.

Deforestation and Climate Change

Tropical deforestation is a major driver of climate change, accounting for an estimated 10–15% of global carbon emissions. Cutting down mature rainforests for timber like Kwila releases massive amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. Unlike plantation forests, tropical rainforests do not easily regenerate—once they are gone, they take centuries to recover.

Biodiversity Loss

The rainforests of PNG, West Papua, and Malaysia are home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife, including orangutans, tree kangaroos, and thousands of plant species found nowhere else. As Kwila logging spreads, these species lose their habitats, pushing many towards extinction. The demand for Kwila directly contributes to the loss of these irreplaceable ecosystems.

Human Rights Violations

In many logging regions, indigenous communities have little control over their land. Corrupt land deals, intimidation, and forced displacement are common. In PNG, the Special Agricultural Business Lease (SABL) system has been widely abused to allow logging companies to operate without proper consent. In West Papua, resistance to illegal logging has been met with military crackdowns, with reports of violence against local landowners. Supporting Kwila from these regions indirectly fuels these injustices.

Can We Trust Certification Labels?

Many Kwila products sold in New Zealand come with labels claiming they are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified. However, numerous investigations have uncovered cases where illegally harvested timber is passed off as certified due to fraudulent documentation and weak enforcement. The complexity of global timber supply chains makes it difficult to guarantee that all Kwila labeled as “legal” is truly from sustainable sources.

While these legitimate certification systems do exist and we encourage them, they are not foolproof, and consumers should remain skeptical when purchasing imported tropical hardwoods.

A Better Alternative: New Zealand’s Sustainable Timber

Rather than relying on Kwila from high-risk regions, New Zealand has a far better alternative—its own sustainably managed native and plantation-grown timbers.

West Coast Beech

Native heart Red Beech (Nothofagus fusca) from the West Coast is a highly durable and beautiful timber that rivals Kwila in both strength and aesthetics. Beech harvested under sustainable management plans ensures that forests are preserved for future generations while providing a high-quality, locally sourced product.

Northland Tōtara

Tōtara (Podocarpus totara) is a naturally durable native timber that has been used for centuries in New Zealand for its strength and rot resistance. Northland’s sustainably managed tōtara initiatives offer a responsible alternative to imported tropical hardwoods, with a significantly lower environmental impact.

New Zealand’s Forestry Standards

Unlike tropical timber-producing nations, New Zealand enforces some of the strictest forestry regulations in the world. Native timber harvesting is highly restricted, and plantation forests are managed under stringent environmental guidelines. Supporting local timber means supporting an industry that values sustainability, worker rights, and long-term forest health.

Making the Right Choice

Consumers have the power to drive change by making informed choices. The easiest way to reduce demand for unsustainably sourced Kwila is to opt for locally grown alternatives. When purchasing outdoor furniture or decking, ask:

• Where was the timber sourced?
• Is there proof of legal and ethical harvesting?
• Are there local alternatives that can do the same job?

By choosing New Zealand-grown timber over Kwila, you’re not just making an environmentally friendly choice—you’re supporting ethical forestry practices, reducing deforestation, and protecting indigenous communities. The demand for Kwila has already led to widespread destruction; shifting consumer habits can help ensure a future where forests, people, and wildlife are protected.