Producing a naturally durable timber alternative to treated radiata pine, and a high-stiffness component for engineered wood products, have been driving forces behind the New Zealand Dryland Forests Initiative. Wood quality research has also been an important part of this programme from day one. Growers need to be confident that the durable eucalypts they plant will grow fast and straight, and will also produce large, consistent volumes of durable, stiff and strong timber.