The Forestry Industry Engineering Association wants Maori Trusts to be more involved in controlling the financial side of the industry.
The association says Maori participation in forestry has not yet reached its full potential.
Director John Stulen says that if Maori trustees learn more about the finance sector, they are closer to being in control of forestry organisations.
He says now that more Maori Trusts control land on which trees are planted, it's important they employ people with better information about the medium- and long-term prospects for timber.
Mr Stulen says optimising income for Maori trusts isn't just about what they want for themselves but also how about selling timber at the right time.
