Webinar: Defending Our Forests
While our industry and forests appear to be under increasing pressure from multiple directions, an insidious and evolving threat continues to grow—one that could have far-reaching consequences for the future of our sector. The plantation forest industry has long prioritised forest health and biosecurity. However, a recent industry-led "Pre-emptive Biosecurity Study Tour" to the Basque Country, Spain, and France has emphasised the crucial role our industry must play in managing these risks.
The visit raised important questions among participants:
- Are we doing enough, and investing enough, to protect our forests from the serious risks posed by biosecurity threats?
- Have we become complacent in addressing these risks?
- Do we understand these threats, the risks they pose and how we can prevent, mitigation or manage them if they arrive?
- Are we relying too heavily on others, particularly government, to manage these challenges?
- Are industry members taking sufficient action to safeguard both their individual operations and the broader sector?
This upcoming webinar will explore the industry’s current approach to managing forest biosecurity risks, some of the gaps and some of the opportunities. Presenters will share their observations, perspectives, and concerns arising from their experience on the study tour, as well as insights into what the industry could, and perhaps should, be doing to strengthen its defences and protect its current and future potential. The session will also introduce a new initiative, Forest Shield – Defending Our Forests, which emerged directly from the insights gained during the tour.
Presenters:
- Brendan Gould – Director of Biosecurity and Risk, New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) and Forest Growers Levy Trust (FGLT); Member, Forest Biosecurity Committee
- Steve Gatenby – Environmental Specialist, Timberlands; Member, Forest Biosecurity Committee
- Paul Adams – CEO, Forest Growers Research
- Phil Taylor – Managing Director, Port Blakely Ltd; Elected Member, FOA Executive Council; Elected Member, FGLT; Director, Scion Board).
Date: Tuesday, 3rd June 2025
Time: 7:15pm - 8:45pm (NZST)
Ticket Costs: $NZD Payments via Credit Card (Credit card payments incur a processing fee).
$20.00 NZIF Members
$20.00 Australian Forestry Members (please quote membership number in 'note to administrator')
$40.00 Non-Members
Free: NZIF Student members only
Ticket Sales close: 3:00pm on the day
Please note:
You can listen live or listen later – everyone who registers will receive a copy of the webinar recording.