Blending Ecology and Economy for Meaningful Impact
At Balanced Forestry, our mission is simple: to help landowners establish thriving, sustainable forests that achieve positive environmental and economic outcomes.
We believe that indigenous species offer the best long-term ecological benefits, yet we also understand that landowners need viable carbon returns that traditional native plantings may not fully provide.
To bridge this gap, we’ve pioneered large-scale commercial cultivation methods and applied them to native and carefully selected exotic species. The result is an efficient, cost-effective way to plant and grow forests that strike the right balance between ecological preservation and economic gain.
Our turnkey afforestation solutions not only protect and enhance biodiversity, but also support near and long-term carbon revenue—delivering real value to landowners and the planet alike.
Meet Bronwyn
Read Bio
Bronwyn is a passionate advocate for indigenous afforestation, drawing on more than a decade of hands-on experience working with native trees across New Zealand. She’s made it her mission to lower the barriers that landowners face when planting anything other than pine—providing cost-effective, practical ways to boost carbon returns and restore ecological balance.
With over 15 years of project management expertise in the forestry industry, Bronwyn pairs real-world insight with proven leadership. She previously managed MPI’s High Performance Manuka Primary Growth Partnership Programme and has held several project management roles at Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), where her lifelong love for trees took root.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bronwyn volunteers with the Ngongotaha Stream Care group, running trap lines to protect local wildlife from predators like rats, stoats, and possums. Based in Rotorua, Bronwyn is an avid angler who enjoys exploring New Zealand’s beaches and forests on foot. Her vision for the future is clear: transform marginal farmland into thriving native forests for generations to come, ensuring healthier land and waters for all.
Meet Maggie
Read Bio
Maggie Olsen is a terrestrial ecologist specialising in native forestry and sustainable land use transformation. With expertise spanning conservation biology, habitat restoration, honey plantation development, and native forest establishment, she brings a comprehensive approach to ecological management.
Maggie's work centers on creating sustainable land use solutions that balance ecological integrity with practical management. She is driven by a vision of expanding green spaces through scientifically-informed forestry practices that improve environments for communities and into the future.
Her approach to forest ecosystem management combines scientific methodology with practical implementation strategies, positioning her at the intersection of conservation science and real land management.
Maggie has a MSc in Terrestrial Ecology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand and a BSc in Environmental Science and Conservation Biology, University of California - Los Angeles, USA
Based in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Maggie lives with her partner and is slowly turning her tiny urban space into a food forest.
Meet Shelley
Read Bio
With more than a decade of experience in office management and financial administration, Shelley specialises in ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently. From managing accounts and overseeing contracts to keeping the office in order, she keeps everything on track behind the scenes - freeing the team to focus on planting more trees!
Shelley lives in Nelson, on New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. When she’s not taking care of finances or administrative tasks, you’ll find her out for daily walks with her dogs, exploring the many scenic nature trails that Nelson and its surroundings have to offer.
“Balanced Forestry exceeded our expectations in our large-scale restoration project. Their commitment to sustainable practices and native ecosystem rejuvenation made them an ideal choice. The exceptional quality of their native seedlings, representing diverse local species, reflects their dedication to preserving New Zealand’s biodiversity.”
Lee W. - Project Manager
“It is truly awesome to see how far we have managed to come in the last two years with your help and assistance now getting over 40,000 trees planted. We have the greatest ROI on your supply and less waste which is great plus a price that makes reforestation affordable.”
Sam Sutton - Managing Director | Rotorua Ziplines
“I have no hesitation in recommending Balanced Forestry as a credible organisation in the supply of good quality native plants and their commitment to promoting practice establishment and management of native forest for multiple purposes.”
Dr. David Bergin - Scientist | Environmental Restoration Ltd
“What sets Balanced Forestry apart is not just product quality but comprehensive support. Their knowledgeable staff provided valuable insights into planting strategies, aligning with our values of education and community involvement.”
Lee W. - Project Manager
“Bronwyn from Balanced Forestry has been my go-to lady for my native planting project. She has supplied high-quality seedlings plus so much more from the very start all the way through. I would recommend anyone to speak to Bronwyn and you will be super excited to get stuck in.”
Tania Brown - FPNZ Limited
“Bronwyn and her team understand that while planting smaller forestry-grade plants keeps costs down, optimum site preparation, planting technique and post-planting management are essential. They provide a full service from supply of planting stock to planting and management, implementing best-practice planting and post-planting operations.”
Dr. David Bergin - Scientist | Environmental Restoration Ltd
Get in touch
Bronwyn Douglas
Managing Director
mail info@balancedforestry.co.nz
call 027 666 6863