26th July 2021 Newsletter

PRESIDENTS COLUMN

During lockdown we started communicating more with professional forestry bodies all around the world. Holding zoom meetings which include Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Australia and us has been challenging, with some attending at 4am and others (NZ) at midnight. Still it has been useful to see how other countries are managing during the Pandemic as well as learning about forestry practices elsewhere. We have also considered how all professional body can help each other out.

One result of these meetings is the webinar which is advertised latter in this newsletter. The UK, Australia and NZ are over two hours in August running a brief introduction to forestry within their countries. The webinar starts at 8pm, 24th of August. Put it in your calendar now and I encourage all those who can make it to call in. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and will see how the practice of forestry differs between the countries. We hope this is the start of a number of similar webinars; showcasing other countries, but also sharing knowledge and expertise. This webinar will count towards your CPD.

This is one way we are attempting to provide more services to members. Council are discussing how we can improve and provide more to members, and I would welcome any thoughts you have. Please send them directly to me, or to Raewyn if you want them to go into the newsletter as a members voice. I am very conscious NZIF is a membership entity and we must provide benefits to members. If there is something you would like council to consider then please let us know.

One benefit which often goes unnoticed is advocacy for the sector. Council members spend a lot of time meeting officials and ministers. We are always trying to promote forestry and all forests. Our submissions team make a large number of submissions ensuring we are being heard and trying to ensure forestry is considered when there is proposed change by Government. It is for this reason I am grateful to members who write into the newsletter or contact me directly as it helps to set the agenda of our conversations.

I would be interested in hearing members views on how this government is going in regards to forestry. What can be improved; what would you like to see the Government focus on more; or are you pretty satisfied with the status quo. Please don’t hesitate to send me your thoughts.

Have a great week

Thanks

James

MEMBERS VOICE

Forestry myths, misconceptions, misunderstandings and how to dispel them

The NZIF conference is approaching rapidly!! It looks a great programme with some very interesting topics, I’m looking forward to it.

I’ve been asked to give a talk on ‘Mythbusting’ and am pulling some thoughts together on the topic and I’d like members’ input if you have some time. I’m just keen to understand your experiences a little.

Bridget Robson raised the topic in ‘Members’ Voice’ a wee while ago and it generated quite a bit of interest. Some myths have been around for many years. Graham Will – who started in forestry at FRI in the 1950’s noted one particular myth in his retirement seminar in 1988 that he had heard when he started and had spent his career trying to dispel. He was unhappy he had not been able to, and I’m sorry to say it still comes up today with regularity.

I’ve put together a very short survey. The link is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2VQ7RZK

If the link does not work, please cut and paste the address into your browser

All thoughts most gratefully received, and I’ll work the responses into the talk.

Tim Payn

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Tribute to John Gleed

I much appreciated David New's Tribute to John Gleed in your 12 July 21 Newsletter.  I would add one paragraph to it.

John Gleed was more than just a strong supporter of forest genetics & tree improvement in New Zealand.  He was also one of the first to understand many of the problems and advantages of clonal forestry.  Furthermore, he moved clonal forestry from the lab to operational practice at the Te Teko Centre for Advanced Forest Biotechnology, creating a world-class tissue-culture lab, establishing clonal trials of radiata pine, as well as a nursery producing operational-level clones for those willing to jump in.

Bill Libby

Honorary Member NZIF

2021 NZIF CONFERENCE

2021 NZIF Conference

27th to 29th June 2021 has been Postponed due to Covid 19, the new conference dates are 15th/16th and 17th August. Same venue, programme etc.

FORESTRY EVENTS

International Virtual Study Tour 2021

Future Proofing our Forests

Join us and the Institute of Foresters of Australia and the New Zealand Institute of Forestry for our International Virtual Study Tour 2021 as we welcome forestry professionals from across the globe who will provide fascinating insights into international forest operations and management.

Featuring speakers from the UK, New Zealand and Australia, this event will showcase recent industry developments and allow professional foresters to share ideas and working practices for the benefit of all our trees and woodlands. We’ll experience virtual tours of forests; learn about future-proofing our woodlands; discover technical developments aimed at improving health and safety in the sector, and analyse conservation and protection issues in forestry. This is a truly international event not to be missed

Read more

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