11th September 2023 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Over the past two hectic weeks, my schedule has been filled with meetings involving various organizations. I've had productive discussions with Federated Farmers, Forest and Bird, a joint gathering with all the associations, and a one-on-one meeting with DoC. Our goal is to identify common ground and opportunities for collaboration.
Federated Farmers, NZIF, and F&B are actively seeking increased funding to manage browsing mammals, particularly goats and deer. Additionally, with Federated Farmers, we've been addressing concerns about the upcoming fire season and expressing our apprehensions regarding FENZ's readiness. It's now indisputable that we're facing a fairly extreme El Niño, and the looming threat of wildfires is a major concern.
Initial talks with DoC have revolved around mammal browsing and the ambitious CCC requirement to establish 300,000 hectares of new native forest. These discussions are in their early stages, and we anticipate forming smaller working groups from both organisations to delve deeper into these topics.
As for the joint associations, FICA, WPMA, TIF, FOA, FFA, and NTP convened to explore ways to collaborate for the betterment of the entire sector. Notably, FOA and WPMA recently appointed new CEOs, providing an opportunity for us to get to know each other better. We're collaborating on a joint briefing for the incoming government. NZIF is likely to produce its own briefing as well as contributing additional insights to the joint briefing. It's crucial that all associations work together where we can, as fragmented efforts have led to politicians and officials overlooking our concerns. While disagreements may arise, improved communication should be our priority in the coming years.
In other institute news, I hope you all have marked next year's conference in Nelson on your calendars, set for 5th - 7th September 2024. We're currently seeking sponsors, so I encourage you to approach your companies about sponsorship, which allows us to keep attendance fees reasonable and organise more networking events. CPD sessions will be held on the 5th, and I strongly urge members, especially Registered members with CPD requirements, to participate.
I'm eagerly anticipating the ANZIF conference in a few weeks, which promises an extensive programme with captivating presenters. Special thanks to Russell Dale and Jack Palmer for their committee work. There are still spots available for those sitting on the fence about attending. AirNZ is currently offering discounted flights to Australia, so consider joining us for what promises to be a remarkable event.
To those who have recently reached out to me, I appreciate your input, and I'll aim to respond in the coming weeks as time permits.
As always, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and areas of concern with me or this newsletter. In the meantime, I hope you all have a productive and enjoyable fortnight as we keep a close watch on the unfolding El Niño impact on our shores.
Thank you
James
NZIF FOUNDATION NEWS
NZIF Foundation Student Support for 2023 ANZIF Conference
Thanks to donations from the NZIF Council and Future Foresters, the NZIF Foundation is able to support the registration fees for NZIF student members attending the ANZIF Conference in Brisbane this year.
The Foundation can support up to 10 $95 registration fees
To apply for support please fill out the following details:
Name:
Qualification enrolled for and institution:
Bank account details:
Submit to the NZIF Foundation by the 15th September 2023.
If we receive more applications than available registration fees we will allocate them randomly across the applicants.
If we are undersubscribed, we will use the residual to support student attendance at the 2024 NZIF Conference in Nelson.
In return for the support we would appreciate a group conference photo and a joint write up on the conference for the NZIF newsletter and for other media opportunities.
Tim Payn
Foundation Chairman
