PRESIDENTS COLUMN

I am unsure where this year is going, time seems to be flying by. As such there are some important items I need to bring to your attention.

1. Our AGM, conference and awards dinner is on in a couple of months (end of June). Registration is opening this week. Please register early as it makes it easier to plan. Remember you are expected to attend one conference every 5 years at a minimum and the AGM is your chance to give feedback to the Council on how we are running NZIF.
2. For those of you who are Registered you need to complete requirements for the new year (CPD register, pay your subs and make your declarations). For those who are not registered, now is the time to consider it. I believe we should all be aiming to become registered as it shows your professionalism has been recognised by your peers.
3. We are looking for nominations for Forester of the Year and the Prince of Wales sustainability cup. Please think about who is deserving of these and send your nominations in.
4. The Foundation is also looking for applications for their awards. I suggest you look at these and see if you fit the criteria; if so make an application.
5. All subs are now due. Please pay these ASAP. Remember we are a membership based organisation; ie we are set up for you so please let me know if you want to see changes.

As the year flies by I look back to see what we (the council) have achieved and I am pleased with progress (though we can always do more if we had more time). Over the first three months of this year we have made two submissions, held at least 5 meetings with the Minister, met with the DG of MPI, worked with Future Foresters to help them raise considerable funds; found and agreed to two new Trustees for the Foundation (to replace two departing Trustees); completed and agreed our 21/22 budget, helped hold 4 local section meetings, attended various industry meetings; successfully sought sponsorship for the conference (which helps keep members costs down), sent out the salary survey, and made changes to the website. Not bad for a bunch of volunteers. My point in highlighting this is to show appreciation to my fellow councillors, all who are working hard in their free time for you the members. I am sure there are other things you would wish for us do and I am willing to consider any request which is sent to me; but I also welcome members volunteering their time to help us in areas which may interest them. As a membership organisation I ask you to ask yourselves what can I do to help make this organisation better, more relevant, more fun, more informed for members. Then raise your hand.

To those members who have started or added to the debate in the members voice section of this newsletter thank you. I and the council do read them and take on board the arguments. They help guide us in our meetings with Ministers and other associations and in our submissions. Please keep your thoughts and views flowing. I would love to see every member contribute at least once a year. We need to hear from you to represent you.

So to all members, please consider what you want from your membership, let us know what we are doing well, where we can improve, what areas you want us to take action on, how we can make NZIF more valuable to you. NZIF is a membership organisation, we are here for you, so don’t hesitate to speak up.

Thanks

James

MEMBERS VOICE

The President suggested in the last newsletter (22 March) that interested members might think of setting up an ‘indigenous forest group’.  Several such groups of course already exist, and NZIF members are present in many of them – for example, Tane’s Tree Trust,  Forest & Bird, and the Indigenous Forest Section of the NZ Farm Forestry Association.  Tane’s Tree Trust split from the Indigenous Forest Section because some members wanted to grow and mill native trees, while others just wanted to grow and admire them.  That was a major point of difference, and the ‘grow and mill’ group has proven far more popular than the ‘grow and admire’ group.  While there’s no harm in starting a new group, unless you have a clear point of difference it might be more productive to needle an existing group into doing some of the activities you’re really interested in.  After all, if they already have lots of members and a funding base, why re-invent the wheel? 

Howard Moore

INSTITUTE UPDATE

NZIF 2021 Conference 

Look out for the email advising you what day registration will open!

27th to 29th June 2021

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park
High Street
Masterton 

We are excited to be presenting a varied and inspiring lineup for our next conference to be held in Masterton in the mighty Wairarapa.  We all know how passionate our sector work force is about what we do, and we are seeking to showcase some of this pride with our lineup of speakers and CPD sessions. 

Read more

NZIF Conference Programme   

Sunday 27th June 2021

10am - 11am - Registration Opens

11am - 1pm - CPD workshop - Forest Fire protection - How can we stay ahead. Presenter Murray Dudfield.

As a forestry professional what are the key elements and knowledge which then empowers us to contribute to the efficient and effective management of fire in the forest and rural landscape.
New Zealand is not shielded from periods of extreme wildfires normally associated with Australia or North America.  The 2017 Port Hills and 2019 Pigeon Valley forest fires are an example of what has occurred in recent years. The annual average direct financial impact of unwanted forest and rural fires on the New Zealand's economy is estimated at $67 million, with indirect costs estimated to be at least 2-3 times this.
In the management of fire in the forest and rural landscape the frequent challenges for agencies and individuals responsible for making decisions relating to forest and rural land use, and uncontrolled vegetation fires, lies in testing the effectiveness of such decisions. Decisions need to take account of the uncertainties and risks, and opportunities that may be the consequences of these decisions.
    “…the ability to deal with a crisis situation is largely dependent on the structures that have been developed before chaos arrives. The event can in some ways be considered as an abrupt and brutal audit: at a moment’s notice, everything that was left unprepared becomes a complex problem, and every weakness comes rushing to the forefront.”      Preventing Chaos in a Crisis, Lagadec, p. 54
The management of fire in the forest and rural landscape is both an art and a science. Topics to be covered in this NZ Institute of Forestry CPD session includes fire legislation, funding of fire services, fire research, fire weather monitoring, exposure, capability and liability.

1pm - 2pm - Light lunch

2pm - 4pm - CPD workshop - Eagle Technology - ArcGIS. Presenter Cathreine O'Shaughnessy

ArcGIS is the world-leading spatial or GIS technology used across widely across many domains including Forestry. The workshop provides a practical overview of the ArcGIS System as well as in-depth coverage of how it is being used to address the unique challenges that face the Forestry industry. Specific topics covered include how to maximise the value of timber assets, reduce costs, and improve forest management with solutions for data collection, map analytics, and remote sensing. 

• Collect field data - Give fieldworkers powerful mobile GIS applications for accurate data capture.
• Analyse inventory - Empower forest managers to make better and more informed decisions.
• Monitor Operations - Visualise forest operations with dashboards that integrate maps and streaming data feeds.

11am - 4pm CPD Workshop - Leadership Development Course, limited to 12pp, Presenter Matt Williams from The Learning Wave

A practical workshop gives participants real tools to:

• Better understand their responsibility as a leader’s to influence participation and good results (individual/team and organisational
• Engage other/team members to shift from their attitude towards a ‘professional who is proud of their work performance’
• Understanding of their/others capability – current mix of skill and attitude (Capability Compass)
• Positively challenge the ‘old boss’ attitudes and help set the tone
• Adapt their leadership response to get better work and safety outcomes  

4.30pm - 5.30pm - NZIF 93rd Annual General Meeting

5.30pm - 6.30pm - After AGM drinks

7pm - 10.30pm - Future Forester Quiz night Venue: Gateway Motor Inn

Monday 28th June 2021

8am - 8.45am Registration Opens

8.45am - 8.50am Iwi Welcome

8.50am - 8.55am Conference Welcome by Conference Chair - Erica Kinder

8.55am - 9.15am Kerrin Ma - Mayor of Wairarapa

9.15am - 10.15am Forest Learning in Australia, Presenter Beth Welden (via Zoom)

10.15am - 10.45am Supporting and cultivation the young crop, Presenter Dave Saatho

10.45am - 11.15am Morning Tea

11.15am - 11.45am What every NZer needs to know about climate change, its impacts and what we can do about it, Presenter Professor Tim Nash

11.45am - 12.30pm Review of Climate Change Commission Submissions, Presenter Rod Carr TBC

12pm - 1.15pm Lunch

1.15pm - 1.45pm Carbon Farming and small woodlots, Presenter Kevin Reardon

1.45pm - 2.15pm Forest Investments, Presenter Bert Hughes

2.15pm - 3pm An Update of the Forest Advisors and Log Trader Amendment Act, Presenter Kay Shapland

3pm - 3.30pm Afternoon Tea

3.30pm - 4pm History and Timber Properties of the Carterton Event Centre - A Wairarapa Timber story, Presenter Paul Jordan

4pm - 5pm Future of Te Uru Rākau, Presenter Henry Weston 

5pm - 5.10pm Closing for the day, Erica Kinder

5.15pm 6.15pm After Conference Cocktail Party

6.30pm Bus pickup from Solway Hotel, Masterton for the Conference Dinner

7pm - 10.30pm Conference Dinner and Awards, Caterton Event Center, After dinner speaker, Hon Stuart Nash

10.30pm - Bus back to Solway Hotel, Masterton

Tuesday 29th June 2021

7am - 8.30am Women in Forestry Breakfast, (Women Only) Presenter Susan Kilsby, ANZ Bank’s Agriculture Economist (8.40am - 8.45am Welcome to Conference

8.45am to 9.45am Positioning the forest industry to be a major player in regenerating natural capital, growing regional economies and transitioning to new zero emissions, Presenter Warren Parker

9.45am - 10.15am Forestry Myth Busting, Presenter Tim Payn

10.15am - 10.30am Closing of the Conference, Erica Kinder

10.30am - 11am Morning Tea

11.15am - 4pm Field Trip -Town Tour – Log Distribution & Timber Processing

The Town Tour doesn’t need to take you far to see industry best practice in motion.
To showcase the region’s timber processing capability, Juken NZ Ltd (JNL) is opening its doors for a tour of their Masterton sawmill for the production of high value engineered timber products.
Adjacent to JNL, the tour will continue through the Waingawa rail yard, where C3 operates the log marshalling and transit hub on behalf of partners CentrePort and KiwiRail. $8m was spent in 2020 upgrading this essential infrastructure and doubling its capacity.
Around the corner from the hub, specialist log cartage company McCarthy Transport will take a tour of their expanded Pakihi Yard and talk about its significant investments and changes.
Thanks to JNL, C3, McCarthy Transport, Forest Enterprises and LDL.

11.15am - 4pm Field Trip: Forest Tour – Farm Forestry & Advanced Logging Systems

The Forest Tour heads out to Tinui to an operational harvest setting and to Rewanui Forest Park.
Mechanised harvesting practices are key to improved safety and productivity outcomes. JNL’s logging operation will demonstrate a Logchamp swing yarder with grapple system and tethered felling machine in action.
Along the way is Rewanui Forest Park, a 334ha property near Masterton on the Castlepoint road. It has areas of native bush, open grassland and sites suitable for growing both native and exotic trees. Rewanui is a trial site for native and exotic timber trees.
Thanks to JNL, Havard Logging, the Montfort Trimble Foundation and the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association.

Accomodation 

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park Wairarapa

Group booking reference number #70947

Conference Rate $140.00 per room per night

Best way to book accommodation would be –

Email reservations@solway.co.nz or phone the hotel direct on 0800SOLWAY (0800765929)

Please state the booking reference number #70947 or that they are attending the NZIF Conference.

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ETS Training Material

Institute members are often required to navigate the every changing terrain of ETS Forestry Regulations for clients or employers.

Te Uru Rakau have recently published some ETS training material.

Peter Casey (Registration Board Chair) confirms that so long as (Registered) Members view the video, presentations, and read the reports, they can record these details (what they have reviewed and watched) in their NZIF CPD log.

Read more

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Nominations for the 'Forester of the Year' and 

'The Prince of Wales Award for Sustainable Forestry'

FORESTRY EVENTS

Overseas Investment Office Presentation

Last Chance to register

Wednesday 21 April 2021, Hawkes Bay 

Venue: East Pier, Ahuriri, Napier 

Time: 5.30pm

Members of the Overseas Investment Office will provide an update on the overseas investment regime and how it relates to investment in forestry.

Sponsorship: Venue hire, sponsored by - FMNZ Ltd, Refreshments prior to meeting sponsored by - Colliers HB

RVSP by Monday 19th April to Raewyn at admin@nzif.org.nz or Bob Pocknall on bob.helanie@gmail.com or phone 021 914362

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NZIF Nelson/Marlborough Local Section Meeting    

Dr Euan Mason will present:  How might forestry fill the gap in our national greenhouse gas accounts?

You've probably heard the chatter on social media, and read hyped-up articles from advocates for particular kinds of forest on particular sites. Clearly most of us love native forest, some of us hate radiata pine, others would like to see more alternative exotic species, and yet others advocate no forest sequestration in case it stops us from reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It's a red hot topic right now. This talk outlines what the gap in our accounts is if we wish to reach greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050, what the proper role of forestry is in addressing the issue, and critically examines a range of alternatives, including the areas required to fill the gap using different sets of species and silvicultural regimes, the likely costs, the benefits, and the implications of alternative strategies.

Location: One Forty One boardroom, 58A Gladstone Road, Richmond 7020

Time and Date: Thursday 22 April 4.30pm

Please RSVP to amalcolm3@yahoo.com or rhys.black@ifsgrowth.co.nz

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Title: “Timber PLUS Carbon: Farmers and Foresters can have their cake and eat it too!”

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Register now for the 2021 Carbon Forestry conference

Conference: Wednesday 16th June 2021

Pre-conference networking: Tuesday 15th June evening.

Our Carbon Forestry Conference is back for 2021 to serve a range of delegates. Strategically motivated corporate investors are acquiring land for carbon planting as are niche international investors.

Recent rises in carbon prices have seen local emitters with emission obligations become motivated to form collectives to purchase marginal land suited to afforestation to establish forest portfolios. Their objectives are closely aligned to key Government policy directions.

Conference sessions will provide expert opinions across the debate. In close cooperation with Government our pre- and post-conference workshops and seminars make this conference a key focus for professional attention.

Make sure you don't miss out on your seat at this year's Carbon Forestry event! Earlybird registration rates are available now.  Register now

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Climate Smart Forestry – a focus on the fundamentals

During this time of increased political, social and economic focus on the importance of forests, the role of professionals in managing our trees and woodlands has never been more prominent or under scrutiny. It’s critical that the ‘right tree, right place’ approach is understood and applied to a high standard across the sector.

The Institute’s National Conference 2021 is focused on ensuring our members are both equipped and empowered to deliver effectively on the UK-wide tree planting aspirations currently proposed by government.  Increasingly our forests and woodlands are being relied upon to deliver against a wide range of objectives, including climate change mitigation, water quality, wood products, biodiversity, wildlife management, recreational use and public health benefits.

Meeting these aspirations will require expertise in all areas of the science and art of forestry, but crucially, we need a thorough understanding of the fundamentals such as site selection, soils, species choice and silvicultural practices that underpin the successful creation and management of woodlands. What are the future needs for woodlands we’re planting today and how does that choice affect our decisions?

The UK government has a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and has set an ambitious target of 30,000 hectares/year of new planting by 2030 to help meet this commitment. Together with an overhaul of agricultural support across the UK this brings opportunities as well as challenges. We need to be prepared to meet those challenges.

National Conference 2021 will be held on the 30^th September and will be a one day online event focusing on how these challenges have been met overseas. Delegates will hear from a superb international line-up of forestry experts, researchers and practitioners ‘on the ground’. We’ll look at what’s currently being done well, what could be done better and how professional foresters can adapt their skillsets to prepare for the future demands of our sector. Our themes are Site, Species, Silviculture and Woodland Mangement.

National Conference 2022 is planned to be a physical event in late April (date to be confirmed) and will continue this theme from a UK perspective.

Contact

Your initial contact for this event is Louise Simpson, Development Director

Louise.simpson@charteredforesters.org

FORESTRY NEWS

Overseas investors to pay $1.38 million for breaking rules

The High Court in Auckland this week ordered overseas investors to pay penalties totalling $1.38 million and legal costs for breaching the Overseas Investment Act.

The significant penalty follows a family purchasing five forestry blocks totalling 3,600 hectares for $12.8 million.

The land at Awakino, Ngāruawāhia, Awaroa, Paranui and Manganui was acquired under the names of several companies.

Those companies were Smith Road Farm Ltd, Paranui Forest Ltd and 488 Manganui Road Farm Ltd.

The family used relatives based in New Zealand to invest on their behalf.  The investors knew permission was required to buy the forestry blocks but did not seek Overseas Investment Office approval.  While the family’s lawyer provided poor legal advice, the Court found that the investors’ breaches were negligent. 

Justice Downs said, “the breaches are serious because the properties are large” and were “acquired for commercial gain.” Justice Downs accepted that discounts to the penalty were appropriate because the family admitted the breaches and co-operated by disposing of the properties.

Overseas Investment Office Group Manager Anna Wilson-Farrell said: “Investors in New Zealand need to be careful when participating in or acting jointly with an overseas person to buy sensitive New Zealand assets. Breaches of the Act can come with serious consequences, including being required to sell property and pay civil penalties.”