5th December 2022 Newsletter
PRESIDENTS REPORT
Last week Council met. Items discussed included strategic initiatives for the council term and next years budget. Both are in draft stage and we will publicise them once finalised.
The Forest Advisors scheme was also discussed and I encourage all members who give advice to apply for NZIF registration before March 2023. NZIF registration is the cheapest way for a member to become an RFA and you will have more input into the registration scheme monitoring you. As a member you will have rights to vote on rules changes etc.
The definition of advice is broad and most members will be required to be a RFA if they communicate outside of their workplace. I suggest if you are unsure you give me a call, or err on the side of caution and become a registered member of NZIF.
We will struggle to register 100’s of members if you leave it until June, which could expose you to being fined under the RFA from 06 Aug 2023, so please if you think you need to be registered, start the process now.
We still have major issues and lack of clarity around the RFA scheme. TuR has contracted in EY to help them consult on CPD and practice standards. I have had two meetings with them to date and whilst I believe they are open ideas, I was extremely disappointed with the original paper which had standards down to the level of how to put a culvert in. I hope by the time the consultation document comes out on in January it will be more realistic and sensible.
There is also no clarity around the Governance of the scheme. I worry TuR believe the Governance will be totally from within MPI. This is something we (along with the rest of the associations) are pushing back against. The Governance must include the sector and include people who understand forestry. Overall I am still very worried about the effect of the RFA on members but believe a registered member is the safest position to be in.
On other items, whilst it was good to see the launch of the ITP, there are still large areas within the plan with no clear action points to achieve the desired outcome. I also worry about the demand on wood fibre in the future with no clarity around how large this demand will be and where the supply will come from. Potential demand for biomass for heat may exceed 20m cbm.
In other NZIF news, it is exciting to see the Journal move on line. Your login into the members area will also be your logon into the Journal. We intend to run the next Journal as online and paper based but will move to online solely once we are sure we have no bugs in the system. YouR feedback is most welcome on this initiative which we hope will be an improvement for members.
As always it would be good to hear from members on their concerns, thoughts, ramblings. Please write to the newsletter via admin@nzif.org.nz to add to members voice. If you are thinking it other members may also have a view. Good robust discussion and debate within the members voice makes it easier for us to represent you.
Have a relaxing Christmas and new year. Stay safe and spend time with your families.
Thanks
James
INSTITUTE UPDATE
From the Registrar
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER STATUS
The following Member is now a Registered Member:
· Cameron Eyre of New Plymouth
APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER
The following Member has applied to become a Registered Member:
· Anton Ridley of Invercargill
SUCCESSFUL 5 YEAR REGISTRATION REVIEW
· Mort Shepherd of Dunedin
Any member of the NZIF has the right to object to an application. Any objection should be lodged with the Registrar registrar@nzif.org.nz within 20 working days of the first appearance (5 December 2022) of the notice in this newsletter, specifying the grounds for the objection.
Alan Bell, Registrar
NZIF Registration Board
registrar@nzif.org.nz
+64 27 444 7779
5 December 2022
NZ Journal of Forestry
Issue 67/3 is now online for viewing
Salary Survey
The NZIF Annual Salary Survey is now online under members only area.
FORESRTY EVENTS
The Canterbury Local Section invites you to the 2022 Christmas BBQ
Come join the local section for a Christmas catch up, Nursery tour, BBQ and drinks at Southern Cypress Nurseries.
*Bring a camp chair.
*Plenty of parking in the yard down the driveway.
*Let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
Location: 75 Raddens Road, Ohoka
Date: Thursday 15th December
Time: 4pm start
Price: Free
To register Register here
Otago/Southland Local Section Christmas Drinks
Otago/Southland Local Section are inviting you to Christmas drinks, to be held on the Thursday, 15th Dec, 4pm at Emersons.
To register for this event Register here
