An organisation with a proud history, the New Zealand Institute of Forestry was founded in 1927 to provide a forum where those involved in all aspects of forestry including forest management, utilisation, processing, research, education and consulting could exchange ideas and information and keep up to date with industry trends.

Institute members are involved with all forest types, not just those where timber production is the primary objective. This includes forests for conservation, recreation, biodiversity, carbon storage, erosion control and water quality.

As well as the stimulus of debate and the fellowship of colleagues, the Institute encourages the highest standards of ethical and professional performance amongst its members. Today this role is even more vital in an industry that has continued to evolve and grow almost beyond recognition since its earliest days.

New Zealand Institute of Forestry membership is an acknowledgement of high levels of competence through education, experience and ability and is evidence of a member's commitment to professional practices and values.

The Institute is committed to serving the practice of forestry and the wider community through education, accountability and its codes of ethics and performance standards. Increasingly it fulfils a quality assurance role, setting the benchmark for professionalism and the quality of advice and practice by which members and others in the profession are measured.