19th October 2020 Newsletter
PRESIDENTS COLUMN
What an amazing election result. A very clear mandate for action. It is important NZIF get in front of the new Forestry Minister ASAP to ensure he/she is well aware of our concerns, wants and the needs of forestry. I have already started this process and will make every effort to spend time with the new Minister during the next two weeks.
It would be useful for me to know what you want. What are you key issues you want me to raise (along with solutions of course). While it would be good to debate them in the newsletter (and I encourage you to write in), I would also like you to send me an email this week outlining your needs. For those uncertain of the email address it is President@nzif.org.nz. We can not let the next three years go to waste. I believe we will have a Minister with a very positive outlook on forestry.
It is fantastic to see some members voices being heard in the newsletter. Thank you to those who have written in. Let’s get the debate flowing. This newsletter was formed exactly for this reason, so please don’t be afraid to speak up, either to suggest or to debate. Remember the newsletter only goes to members. All voices are relevant and I want to hear them all so I can guide the Institute according to members views. Silence does not help me.
Thanks to Jeremy for his voice in the last newsletter. Jeremy has raised a long standing question in regards to a national voice in forestry. Who should be speaking and when. It would be good to have further views on this topic. As well as expanding it to ‘what is NZIF’s role?’ We have our Objects in the rules but what does this really mean to you, the members. Do you want to see us speak out more on forestry? If so, where are our boundaries. Do we only speak on the profession of forestry or should we be getting into statements in regards to international trade, H&S or worker conditions for example. Please write in and let me know your thoughts.
Finally I would like to know what you want the institute to be in 10 and 20 years time. What role would we play in the sector? Who should be a member (for example should all DoC staff be members)? How close should we be to politicians? What role do we have to provide networking opportunities and CPD? Think about why you joined and ask if we are still delivering? If not let me know the reason you joined and provide some feedback on how we can ensure you are getting what you want as a member. The council and I are here to serve you the members. Guide us where you want us to go.
Thanks
James
MEMBERS VOICE
Have you say!
Ideas, thoughts or advice?? Send it through to admin@nzif.org.nz
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Although I could not attend the AGM on 26th September, I have since learned that there was a strong debate on the size of the Council. A motion was put by James Treadwell and Andrew McEwen to reduce the size of the Council from 10 members to 6, on the basis that co-opting an additional 4 members would offer more diversity than electing them. In November at the NZ Farm Forestry AGM, there will be a motion to increase the size of the Executive (equivalent to the NZIF Council) from 8 to 10.
These two responses look opposite but they are both driven by the same factors: (i) it’s hard to run a membership organisation at the best of times; (ii) climate change, freshwater reform and “industry transformation” are creating uncertainty; and (iii) we’re struggling to overcome negative public sentiment. Judith Collins saying “I hate pines” just makes our work harder. To deal with these problems we need to be agile, articulate and accurate. The management teams of both the NZIF and NZFFA need people who have a diversity of skills and experience, are alert to what’s going on, and can comment intelligently on it when asked.
Anyone standing for election should understand both this need, and the expectation that they will make the necessary contribution of time, skill and intellect when called upon. In reality however that’s asking for the moon. The willing are soon swamped with work, while the unwilling fade into the background. To keep the team functioning as a team we need to ask for less commitment, which means more people.
The NZFFA has decided to seek more ‘elected generalists.’ This will hopefully share out the work while preserving democracy. The NZIF was offered the chance to reduce the ‘elected generalists’ and co-opt ‘part-time specialists.’ This would also hopefully share out the work but reduce democracy.
Which approach is better? If keen, available people stand for election, I’d elect them. If they don’t, I’d co-opt them. But co-option has some useful advantages over election.
- You can co-opt someone who would not be interested in regular attendance and responsibilities, and so draw on a wider pool.
- You can get rid of a co-optee simply by saying “I divorce thee!” three times, rather than waiting out their term and hoping they won’t be re-elected.
- You can co-opt for any reason – be it orientation, religion or skill - whereas you are not allowed to discriminate in an election.
I think these advantages outweigh the loss of democracy, so if I’d been there I’d have voted for the motion. I’m sorry I missed it. Next time, eh?
Howard Moore
Wellington
9 October 2020.
INSTITUTE UPDATES
COUNCIL MEMBER
Kit holds the position of Environment Manger for PF Olsen Ltd, based in Rotorua but with responsibilities nationwide for PF Olsen’s environmental and certification performance. He is a Registered Forest Consultant specialising in environmental matters related to forestry.
Kit has been involved in the industry for 43 years starting out on the West Coast where he was involved in the introduction of aerial selection systems for the region’s native forests. Concurrent with his tenure at PF Olsen, Kit has had long term involvement with the progression of Forest Certification (FSC and PEFC) in New Zealand and been an active member of the NZ Forest Owner’s Association Environment Committee including in recent times, assisting in submissions to Government on matters of water reform and indigenous biodiversity legislation.
During the period of Future Forest Research, Kit was Theme Leader for the Environment Theme under that organisation.
Kit originally trained as a Ranger under the NZ Forest Service before qualifying with a B.For.Sci from the University of Canterbury.
Council responsibilities are: NZIF Code of Ethics, Submissions
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Online CPD
Were you unable to attend the CPD workshops on the 26th September?
We have had the presentations recorded and these are available to view online:
• Overview of ETS transformation - Emily Geck
• ETS 1989 Land eligibility - Phillip Lubeck
• Changes for the ETS - Steven Cox
• Code of Ethics - Andrew McEwen and Peter Casey
and the PowerPoint presentation of
• Forests (Log Trader and Forestry Advisors) Amendment Act 2020 - Antonia Reid
Please email Raewyn at admin@nzif.org.nz to let me know you want to view them. I will send you an invoice for $80 and once you have paid I will allow you access to the Dropbox file.
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NZIF awards
I was very please to announce our NZIF awards at the AGM and would once again like to congratulate Bruce Manley (Kirk Horn), Julie Collins (Forester of the Year) and Adrian Loo (Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup) for the awards. All are very deserving candidates.
Julie Collins (Forester of the Year)
Adrian Loo (Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup)
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From the Registrar
UNSUCCESSFUL 5 YEAR REGISTRATION REVIEW
Cessation of Registration:
- Nigel Chandler of Auckland
REGISTRATION REVIEWS 2020
The following member is due for 5-year review of their status as a Registered Member during 2020 and has not yet applied;
- Peter Brown
Alan Bell, Registrar
NZIF Registration Board
registrar@nzif.org.nz
+64 27 444 7779
