The Voice of the Nation’s Timber Treatment Industry

NZ TIMBER PRESERVATION COUNCIL

The voice of the nation’s timber treatment industry.

The proprietor of the WOODmark® programme.

About NZTPC

Established in 1987, the NZ Timber Preservation Council (NZTPC) is the leading authority on timber treatment in New Zealand.

We have three main roles: acting as the voice of the nations timber treatment and preservation industry, managing the quality assurance programme for treated timber known as WOODmark® and acting as a source of information for the public and trades.

As the industry's voice, we ensure high standards in timber treatment, advocate for health and safety, and promote environmental protection. We focus on crucial issues affecting our members, such as compliance, standards, legislation, audits, and regulation. We bridge the gap between industry needs and regulatory requirements, driving excellence in the timber treatment sector.

As proprietors of the WOODmark® programme, New Zealand’s only independent national quality assurance brand for treated timber, our goal is to ensure that timber treatment quality is maintained at the highest levels and to ensure that the timber treatment industry complies with health and safety and environmental protection standards.

Treating Timber

Why Timber Needs Treating

Not all wood is naturally tough. Radiata Pine, the main timber used in New Zealand and Australia, isn’t naturally resistant to insects and decay. To make it durable and meet building standards, it may need quality preservative treatment. The level of treatment depends on the timber’s planned use, ensuring it can withstand various environments and meet different durability requirements.

How Timber is Treated

Radiata Pine is very easy to treat because of its cell structure. This makes it the most treatable wood in the world. Once appropriately treated, it meets the durability standards required in both New Zealand and Australia.

Timber treatment involves following certain standards to ensure preservatives penetrate and stay in the wood properly. The more at risk the wood is, the more preservative it needs.

Ensuring Proper Treatment

Properly treated timber is vital for durability and safety in construction. That's why we manage the WOODmark® programme. It ensures treated timber meets high standards, giving users confidence in its quality. WOODmark® licensed treatment plants follow strict health, safety, and environmental guidelines and are regularly audited to guarantee adherence to these stringent standards.

The+Grounds+-+Vulcan+Screening+and+Sand+Decking+-+Abodo+Wood+copy.jpg

About WOODmark®

WOODmark® is an independent national quality assurance brand for timber treatment.

The WOODmark® name and symbol are licensed trademarks which are applied to treated timber products that conform to the high standards required by the NZ Timber Preservation Council. Only treatment plants that are licensed by the NZ Timber Preservation Council may use the WOODmark®.

When you see the WOODmark® you know you’ve got timber you can trust .

Responsibly sourced wood is beautiful, versatile and renewable. It also helps tackle climate change by storing carbon.

Resources

We offer an extensive range of resources to support WOODMark® licensees, industry professionals (including architects, designers, builders, and engineers), and DIY enthusiasts in the general public.

  • Treated timber in use on building site

    ALL ABOUT TIMBER TREATMENT

    Valuable insights for both industry professionals and the public on timber treatment, covering various treatment types and their applications.

  • New Zealand timber yard

    HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIMBER

    Discover how to choose the right timber for your project by checking its hazard class rating.

  • New Zealand timber in piles

    HOW TO CHECK THAT TIMBER IS TREATED

    Learn how to verify that timber has been properly treated by checking its WOODMark® and consulting the Licensee Register.

  • Treated timber NZ

    GUIDANCE FOR LICENSEES

    Discover guidelines on handling hazardous substances used in timber treatment, export regulations, and other helpful publications.

Become a WOODmark® Licensee

NZTPC welcomes new WOODmark® licensees and is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the community.