22nd May 2023 Newsletter

PRESIDENTS COLUMN

I wanted to share with you some highlights from my recent meeting with Minister Henare, which proved to be a positive and productive engagement. The meeting was attended by representatives from FICA, FFA, FOA, and NPT.

One aspect which stood out to me was the Minister's willingness to listen rather than simply preach. He demonstrated a good level of knowledge on the subject matter and expressed his desire to champion forests and forestry rather than impose directives upon us. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of regular engagement, which bodes well for our future collaboration.

During our discussion, the Ministerial inquiry report and the potential Government response were key topics of conversation. While the associations acknowledged the need to pursue certain aspects of the panel's report, we also expressed our concern the panel had not adequately considered all land users. We firmly believe achieving the necessary and meaningful change requires a comprehensive focus on all stakeholders involved.

We also delved into the pressing social issues which have arisen and are likely to persist. Minister Henare displayed a great receptiveness to our concerns. It is worth noting he has already publicly acknowledged the significant contribution of forestry to the welfare of the East coast community. Additionally, he recognises the risks associated with overreactions which could jeopardise new investments.

Beyond the inquiry-related matters, we touched upon several other important subjects. These included the challenges involved in establishing native forests on 300,000 hectares, the need to reshape the media narrative surrounding our industry (the Minister expressed his commitment to championing our sector and requested key lines we can provide for his use), the forest advisors scheme and concerns about associated costs (particularly cost recovery), the ETS (with a plea to let it function without constant tinkering), and the need for a national forest policy.

In other news, I was thrilled to view the success of our young professional foresters who not only participated in but also chaired the international Global Virtual Field Trip for Young Foresters last Friday. The event witnessed excellent attendance from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Although Canada's participation was less prominent due to the time difference (3 a.m. for them!). We recorded the event and will soon make it available on our website for those who missed it. 

This was the second such event aimed at building international networks and facilitating the exchange of valuable information among professional bodies in the aforementioned countries. It is always fascinating to observe the similarities in challenges faced by each nation and the potential solutions they offer, which often stimulate thought and reflection. For those who couldn't join us this time, please keep an eye out for the next event in six months.

Furthermore, I would like to highlight the productive meeting we had with the Climate Change Forum in Rotorua. It provided an excellent opportunity for us to provide feedback on their draft advice. The sector was well represented, and I encourage anyone who missed it to register for the upcoming meeting in Christchurch on the 31st, either in person or virtually. 

The draft document proposes several changes which will impact our industry, including the notion of decoupling forestry NZUs from all other NZUs.

Lastly, I would like to remind you all of the important date of our AGM, Awards dinner, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session, which is scheduled for July 8th. Kindly mark it in your calendars. The awards dinner is a wonderful occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our peers, as well as an excellent networking opportunity. During the AGM, we will discuss various rule changes and approve our budget. Additionally, the CPD sessions are crucial for the professional growth of all our members, particularly those who are registered professionals. As a professional body, it is essential we continue our journey of professional development together. I eagerly anticipate the presence of many of you at this event.

Thanks

James

INTITUTE UPDATES

NZIF AGM and CPD - 08 July 2023

Because this year we have a combined ANZIF conference in Australia from 15-18 October in Coolangatta, Gold Coast, NZIF need to have an AGM before the ANZIF conference to meet the requirements of our Rules.  It is planned to also provide 2-3 sessions of CPD and the Awards Dinner at the same time.

The planned venue is the Wellington Club, 88 The Terrace, Wellington.

The draft programme is:

9am - Registration and coffee/morning tea

9.30am - 11am First CPD session

11am - 12.30pm Second CPD session

12.30pm - 1.30pm Lunch

1.30pm -3pm Third CPD session

3pm - 3.30pm Afternoon tea

3.30pm - 5pm AGM

5pm - 6pm Networking refreshments

6pm Awards Dinner

The Wellington Club has accommodation. 

7 Queen rooms at $195.00 / night and 3 King rooms at $225.00 / night.  Reservations need to be made by contacting Peter Hill ( 021 965 266  or pjint@outlook.com )

I would appreciate any ideas for timely / appropriate CPD sessions.  I have had a suggestion of a session on Mental Health management, this has been used by Future Foresters and comes recommended.  Your thoughts please?

This event will be updated as the programme firms up. When the event is finalised it will open for registration

Peter Hill

Vice President

Call for Nominations - Fellows, Forester of the Year and Prince of Wales award for Sustainable Forestry

Nominations need to be emailed to the Secretary at admin@nzif.org.nz no later than 5pm Sunday, 28th May 2023.

Recipients will be announced at the NZIF AGM and the awards dinner, 8th July 2023

To nominate a new Fellow by 28th May 2023, please Read more and fill in the form

To nominate a member for Forester of the Year award by the 28th May 2023 Read more

To nominate a member for Prince of Wales award for Sustainable Forestry by 28th May 2023 Read more

Lania Holt

NZIF Secretary

FOUNDATION AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NZIF FOUNDATION 2023 AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications are invited for the awards and scholarships offered by the NZIF Foundation for 2023.  The total value of awards offered is $11,500.

The awards open for application are:

• Otago Southland Award $2,000 to assist a project or projects of relevance to forestry in the Otago/Southland region
• A Mary Sutherland Scholarship of $2,000 for a polytechnic student
• A University Undergraduate Scholarship of $2,000
• A Frank Hutchinson Postgraduate scholarship of $2,000

• Chavasse Travel Award for $3,500.

• Applications are now open.  Further details and an application form are available on the Foundation web page (https://www.nzif.org.nz/about-us/nzif-foundation/ )

Applications must be received by the Foundation administrator (foundation@nzif.org.nz) no later than 5pm on Sunday 28th May 2023.  The awards will be announced at the NZIF AGM on the 8th July 2023.

Enquires to the Foundation (foundation@nzif.org.nz) or phone +64 4 974 8421.

Please pass on this notice to your networks and to anyone you think may be eligible to apply.  Membership of NZIF is not a requirement for application.

FRESTRA Young Forester of the Year Award

If you have post-1989 forest land in the ETS your emissions return is due 30 June 2023. Our recommendation is to submit your emissions return early.

The deadline is 23 June 2023 if you intend to use Tupu-ake to do your emissions return calculations.

Call 0800 254628 or go to Forestry ETS online system

NZIF tree planting Ceremonies around the country to commemorate the crowning of King Charles III

The CNI Local Section organised a commemorative tree planting on the 20th May 2023. They planted a large Miro, Totara and Rimu at Toi Ohomai and a Kanuka grove at Scion, which will eventually be part of an educational tree walk for the public.

Several NZIF members including students and staff from the University of Canterbury and local foresters assembled on campus to plant a sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) to mark the coronation of King Charles. While some were planting others occupied themselves with some warm roast chestnuts that were a welcome addition to the occasion on a cool evening.

The ASIF team organised themselves to plant trees on Motutapu Island. The motivation was the Coronation of King Charles II and NZIF's genuine appreciation of his support of Commonwealth Institutes of Forestry and forests more generally, through the work of the Princes Trust.

ASIF worked through the Motutapu Restoration Trust enabling native canopy species including Miro and Kaihikita to be planted within an area already established in maturing successional species. The trees planted are sourced from seed gathered from trees in the Auckland Region. All trees planted on Motutapu are grown in the Island's own nursery, officially opened in 1992 by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Those involved in the planting were treated to a 4X4 drive around the island. They commented on the diversity of the forests being established, the ease of digging holes in rich volcanic loam and a satisfying and enjoyable day out!

While unlikely to be observable in the lifetime of the average Institute member or monarch, ASIF is confident that maturation of the species planted will stand as a fitting tribute to a monarchy who in recent years have been vocal champions of the cause of foresters and forests.

My thanks to Andres for organising the event and his planting team for their work on the day!

The Hawke's Bay Local Section organised a commemorative planting in the Pakowhai Park, Heretaunga Plains. The commemorative planting was undertaken in respect to the coronation of King Charles II and as an appreciation to the support His Majesty the King has given to Commonwealth Institutes of Forestry.

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council granted an area in the Pakowhai Park to plant the trees. This park was originally established in 1973, it boasts a mixture of mature and newly planted trees, open grass spaces, wetlands, and stop banks. Small bridges connect the beautifully maintained paths and tracks to cross the Raupare stream which flows between. The stream flows along the former Ngaruroro River course. 

Plant Hawkes Bay kindly donated a Totara and Titoki seedling for planting. Members of the local branch met together to plant the seedlings and took some time to dwell on the support by the King for forestry and native biodiversity.

REGISTRATION BOARD

From the Registrar  22 May 2023

APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER

The following Members have applied to become Registered Members:

• Dean Meason of Hamilton
• Andrew Buswell of Taupo
• John Jamieson of Whanganui
• Felix Brandt of Rotorua

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER

The following Members are now Registered Members:

• Jason Syme of Tauranga
• Yannina Whiteley of Christchurch

SUCCESSFUL 5 YEAR REVIEW FOR REGISTERED MEMBER

• Don Hammond of Rotorua

NOTICE OF 5 YEAR REGISTRATION REVIEW

The following Members are due for their 5-Year review of registration in 2023 and have not yet submitted their application;

• Angus Malcolm of Richmond
• Kirsten Stuart of Christchurch
• Brett Gilmore of Napier
• Rene Weterings of Taupo
• Simon Rapley of Taupo
• Jeremy Waldegrave of Auckland
• Dennis Neilson of Rotorua

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 (22 May 2023) 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

22 May 2023

If you want to be an NZIF Registered Member and accepted into the MPI Registered Forestry Adviser Scheme, please read this and act accordingly

We are getting closer to 6^th August 2023, the date when any person giving forestry advice for reward is required by law to be registered.  As members will know, NZIF registered members are being accepted into the registered forestry adviser (RFA) scheme at a much lower cost than those who are not NZIF Registered members (note we always talk about “NZIF registered” to distinguish our scheme from the RFA one).  The Board currently has over 70 applications for registration that it is steadily working through.

The Board notes there are several applicants who have started a draft application but have not yet submitted it. There are others who have submitted an application but have been advised by the registrar/administrator that there is still some missing information.  It might be one or more referee statements, it could be the declaration of eligibility has not been submitted or the signature has not been properly witnessed, it may be evidence of qualifications.  If your application is one of these, we would be grateful if you could please attend to it as soon as possible.  There are other members who have told us they are working on an application, but they have not yet submitted it or even saved a draft on the web site.

One of the features of NZIF Registration is the opportunities for peer review of those who want to be or are NZIF Registered.  There are three ways this works:

• An applicant must ask three people to provide confidential referee reports to the Board. These go directly from the referee to the Board, not through the applicant.  There are conditions on who can be a referee (we need to ensure there are no perceived or actual conflicts of interest such as an employee giving their manager a good report)
• Every application for registration is notified in the NZIF newsletter. NZIF members have 20 working days in which they can object to the application.  The Board does not complete processing an application until that notification period has expired, and any objection has been resolved.
• Members (and others) can lodge complaints against a NZIF Registered Member. Complaints, if upheld, could result in the member losing their NZIF Registration, or even being expelled from NZIF.

The 20 working day notification period is looming as a significant factor in the speed with which the Board can process an application.  The next newsletter on 6 June may be the last one where an application can be notified, and the application still completely processed before 6th August.  While the Board could ask the NZIF Council to have a special newsletter on 12th June in order to notify some further applications, applicants should not rely on this happening.

Members who want or need NZIF registration before 6th August should take urgent steps to ensure their applications have been submitted and are complete (including their referee’s reports having been sent to the Registrar) and that they deal with any requests from the registrar for further information.  If in doubt about the status of your application, please check with the registrar or NZIF administrator (the administrator is also subject to a confidentiality agreement and is assisting the registrar with applications).

Registration Board co-opts more members

The NZIF Registration Board, with approval from the NZIF Council, has co-opted 13 experienced NZIF members to assist with processing the applications that have been submitted.  Last week (18 May) the Board held an on-line training workshop for those co-opted, at which they were taken through the need for confidentiality (they have all signed confidentiality agreements), the need to avoid conflicts of interest, and a requirement that during the time they are co-opted they should refuse to provide referee reports for applicants for NZIF Registration.  The workshop also went through the process of assessing an application, which involves two Board members (elected, appointed or co-opted) reviewing all the information forming the application, checking on conflicting information, sometimes asking questions and then providing a report to the Board.  Those reports are considered by the elected and appointed Board Members (but not co-opted members) and a decision made on the application.

Some of those at the workshop, who had served on the Board in the past, noted the process now followed by the Board has evolved significantly since the scheme was entirely voluntary for NZIF members.  The increased scrutiny of applications, expansion of matters the Board now considers and other changes are the result initially of the exemption granted in 2017 under the Real Estate Agents Act for NZIF Registered Members and more recently because of the preferential treatment NZIF Registered Members will receive under the new statutory Registered Forestry Adviser scheme administered by MPI.  The Board is very conscious that the increased statutory status of the NZIF Registration scheme may lead to greater external scrutiny of the NZIF scheme.

Change in Registrar

The NZIF Registrar, Alan Bell, is stepping down at the end of May after several years in the job.  His task as registrar has expanded considerably since there were a small number of applications for NZIF registration each year plus 15-20 five-year reviews of registration.  The Board, on behalf of all the Registered Members would like to say a big thank you to Alan for his service in the role as Registrar.  Under Alan’s tenure the NZIF Registration Scheme has seen material improvements.  This improved platform sets the Board up for the continued enhancement of the quality assurance of NZIF Forestry Professionals.  We note if all the applications currently before the Board are successful, the number of NZIF registered members will have more than doubled since 31 March 2022 and the normal annual compliment of five-year reviews will also have been completed.

Alan, who is stepping out of the role of Registrar on 1 June, is being replaced by Peter Gorman.  The Board very much appreciates Peter’s positive response, to the request to all members, regards the Registrar role vacancy. Peter has previously served as an elected member of the Board, so is not entirely new to the process.  Peter (and Alan) also attended the training session last week.

Peter Casey

Chair

NZIF Registration Board

MEDIA RELEASE

Disappointment over Lack of Historical Context and Crown's Role within Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use Report

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) expresses deep disappointment in the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use causing woody debris (including forestry slash) and sediment-related damage in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa; especially in regards to the absence of historical context, the Crown's accountability and the geology of the area.

NZIF President, James Treadwell said “the Ministerial Inquiry has failed to acknowledge the Crown's significant role in promoting the planting of protection forests, subsequently marketing and selling them as harvesting rights to international buyers. Furthermore, the inquiry neglected to recognise the post-cyclone Bola subsidies and support mechanisms provided by the Crown for planting initiatives”

James Treadwell believes the Ministerial Inquiry’s report findings is recommending measures which will stop the very activities which are vital for the region’s recovery.

“The report fails to examine the region’s economic options, nor suggests solutions to mitigate against the effects of climate change, within this highly erodible environment”.

Treadwell says the focus seems to be just on dealing just with forest waste, rather than wider land use issues.

“All land users will be looking at their practices and seeking ways to improve, including forestry, and all land users will need to make changes to ensure the effects of events such as Gabrielle won’t occur again.”

“The inquiry seems to have concentrated only on forestry with inadequate coverage of the ongoing impact of pastoral farming and its contribution to sedimentation. While the report briefly mentions the unsustainability of current pastoral farming practices, it disproportionately targets the forestry sector with stricter controls.”

“NZIF agreed changes are required within forest practices, and our submission was very clear on what potential changes should be implemented,  however I have a strong concern the inquiry has added to the hyperbole of social media, placing forestry as a scapegoat, and this is stopping the much needed conversation about how to manage the most erodible land in NZ and mitigate downstream effects.”

“Some serious conversations are required, but will not occur if media continues looking for a scapegoat rather than examining the very real issues of highly erodible soils, steep country and humans placing themselves within natures way.”

Treadwell is concerned at the lack of thought the inquiry has shown for social factors. “All forestry companies harbour important community benefits, generating economic activity.”

“They provide one in four people in the Tairāwhiti region with employment. These companies – whether New Zealand or foreign-owned – must also meet stringent criteria in order to operate.”

“Without the economic activity generated from forestry, jobs will be lost and reinvesting in infrastructure to mitigate against future storms will be incredibly challenging.”

“Regrettably, without a full land used conversation and long term plan, there is likely to be a flight of forestry capital from the East Coast, resulting in significant repercussions for the region.”

“The report broaches the complexity of Tairāwhiti’s landscape and details the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle but offers no real or specific solutions to land use problems or mitigating the effects of climate change.”

On average, according to a reports released by the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, over 56% of woody debris deposited within Hawke’s Bay was made upon of willows, poplars, whole radiata trees and native trees and of the remainder only 10% was ‘slash’ being pine which has had a saw go through it – a figure omitted from the report. This highlights the need for a review of all land uses. 

“Regardless, the forestry sector accepts its clean-up responsibilities, and most companies are doing all they can to help in Tairāwhiti’s recovery,” James Treadwell says.

NZIF urges all stakeholders involved to reconsider the Inquiries findings and work towards a more balanced, comprehensive, and inclusive approach to address the challenges facing land users within the region.

Contact:

James Treadwell

New Zealand Institute of Forestry

0220 434511

President@nzif.org.nz

www.nzif.org.nz

FORESRTY EVENTS

“What we can do to empower Maori in the forestry sector”

Te Kapunga Dewes, CEO of Whenua Oho and Interpine Innovation will be speaking on;

“What we can do to empower Maori in the forestry sector”

Date: 23rd May 2023

Time: 6pm

Location: Toi Ohomai Forestry building

 The presentation will start at 6pm with networking drinks and nibbles to follow.

Read more and register

Scion's Resilient Forests Research Programme Conference 

The Resilient Forests Research Programme Conference will be held on 13th June 2023 at Scion, Rotorua and the Field Day on 14th June 2023 at Kinleith Forest.

The purpose of the conference is to inform an industry audience of our science highlights, both in terms of our discoveries but also what these will mean in the future for the industry. The two-day event will be of interest to forest managers, government, council representatives, and researchers. Day 1 will feature conference presentations and a networking session with an invited speaker who will address the role of resilient forests for New Zealand’s future. On Day 2 we will head out on a field trip to visit research sites in Kinleith Forest.

Please register here (note spaces are limited)

More detail will come soon on the conference programme and speakers.

Key themes that will feature in the conference include:

• Uncovering the radiata pine microbiome
• Quantifying the impact of needle diseases on growth
• Understanding pathogen epidemiology to support disease forecasting
• Classical and novel disease control options
• Autonomous forest health monitoring
• Investment Portfolio diversification to reduce uncertain risks

The emergence of environmental and social governance in determining industry social license to operate

Industry impact and uptake of research from the Resilient Forests Programme

Accelerating productivity on a range of sites

The Resilient Forests Research Programme started in October 2019, filling the gap left when the Growing Confidence in Forestry's Future (GCFF) and Healthy Trees, Healthy Future (HTHF) research programmes ended. At the outset, the programme set ambitious targets to address 3 key research questions of how to sustainably (1) increase productivity, (2) enhance resilience, and (3) manage risk and uncertainty associated with planted forests. The aim of the programme is to enhance the long-term productivity, socio-economic benefits, and resilience of production forests, ultimately supporting New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon bioeconomy and meeting our agreed carbon reduction goals.

REGISTER NOW

Forestry ETS webinars

Invitation to webinar -  Preparing and submitting an emissions return using Tupu-ake.

Foresters with smaller areas of registered forest who are intending on submitting their returns without the support of a consultant, or who are wanting some assistance - are invited to a webinar taking you through the preparation and submission of your emissions return using the new online ETS system, Tupu-ake.

In this session we will highlight the information you will need to do an emissions return, and how to submit your return. And you will be able to ask questions of our forestry ETS team. This webinar is tailored for ETS participants with less than 100 ha of registered forest land. 

These one-hour webinars are live (not recorded). The content is repeated in each session - so you can choose a date to suit you.

Thursday 1 June, midday

Wednesday 7 June, midday

Wednesday 14 June, midday

Monday 19 June, midday 

Reserve your place in a webinar session - (Zoom booking page)

2023 ANZIF Conference

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