The research and analyses described in the report involved fieldwork across the region and detailed investigation of the employment, business and social linkages among all communities from the small rural centres, through the towns to the Cities of Dunedin and Invercargill. The report concluded that the forest and wood processing sector makes significant contributions to the region across a range of areas such as economic growth, local community and regional employment, community funding and infrastructure, and the environment. Looking ahead, the sector is expected to continue generating wealth and employment and to continue making a strong contribution to the sustainability of the region.