25th September 2023 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Dear Members
I must begin by expressing my thanks for the overwhelming response we've received from you regarding MPI's recent announcement of new charges to be included within the ETS. Your engagement and concerns are noted. It's heartening to see members come together on an issue that holds significant importance for all foresters.
It's clear from your feedback that you believe these charges are not only excessive but also unjust, potentially leading to a setback in New Zealand's climate commitments. Some have rightly pointed out that we already pay taxes on the sale of units, and there is a lingering question about where the proceeds from the government's quarterly auctions are being directed. Others have raised the question of whether the ETS, ostensibly designed for the greater good, should disproportionately burden forest owners. Additionally, some of you have expressed concerns about the costly system implemented by MPI, with minimal consultation with those who will be directly affected by it. You are being heard and we want to assure you we are actively taking action.
Please continue to share your thoughts and concerns with us. Your support is invaluable as we work towards having these charges reevaluated. NZIF is exploring legal avenues, and we will be meeting with lawyers on Monday to discuss our options. Furthermore, I have requested an urgent meeting with the DG MPI to ensure our sentiments are duly recorded. We have also engaged with all political parties, presenting our perspective, and I remain hopeful some will be receptive to our concerns and investigate the matter further. Rest assured, I will keep you updated on all these developments as they unfold.
On a different note, this week, you can expect to see joint media efforts from NZIF, Federated Farmers, and Forest and Bird on the issue of browsing pest animal control. This issue has resonated with many of our members and presents an opportunity for these organisations to collaborate effectively. While we may not always see eye to eye, when we align our efforts, our collective voice becomes a powerful force for positive change.
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the NZTIF conference and attending their dinner. It was evident that there is a gap between sawmills and foresters which needs to be bridged. We must find ways to communicate better because foresters rely on saw millers, and vice versa. With the demand for export logs decreasing, the need for profitable and efficient sawmills has never been more crucial. In the long term, we can expect new processors to enter the market, particularly for lower grades. The ITP is a promising initiative, and we must throw our support behind it and work towards necessary improvements while doing so. It may not be perfect, but let's not discard it prematurely. Instead, let's embrace it and shape it into an effective tool for our industry's benefit.
In NZIF news, we bid farewell to Raewyn last week after her resignation, and we wish her all the best in her new role. We have contracted Jay Matthes to step in as the Registration Board administrator. Jay, alongside Veronica and Betsie, forms an exciting team which I believe will enhance our processes, provide exceptional support to members, and drive us forward as we implement several changes, particularly regarding Registration.
For your convenience, here are the contacts for various inquiries:
- Veronica at nzifoffice@nzif.org.nz or 022 653 3750 for general member inquiries.
- Jay at registration@nzif.org.nz or 027 463 1118 for registration-related questions.
- Betsie at accounts@nzif.org.nz for all financial matters.
The ANZIF conference is just around the corner, and I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing many of you there. If you haven't registered yet, there may still be spaces available. The lineup of speakers promises to be fantastic, and I highly recommend your attendance if you can manage it.
Lastly, don't forget to mark your calendars for September 5-7, 2024, for our 2024 conference in Nelson. It's shaping up to be a remarkable event, and if you or your organisation are interested in sponsorship, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Our Council is set to meet next week, and if there are any matters you'd like us to consider, please feel free to inform me or Veronica.
I trust that all of you will have a productive and safe fortnight ahead and I thank you for your support.
Thanks
James
EVENTS
ANZIF Conference
With less than a month until the 2023 ANZIF Conference, the Conference Organising Committee are delighted to release an updated conference program and announce two new keynote speakers. The program features over 130 speakers and 32 breakout sessions.
Max Jacobs Oration
Dr Neil Byron
Neil is a forester and economist who has provided independent, highly-credible and practical policy advice to all levels of government - particularly on natural resources such as water, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and biodiversity, including 12 years as Commonwealth Productivity Commissioner and two years with Natural Resources Commission of NSW.
Farming for the Future: can natural capital improve outcomes from productive agriculture?
Dr Elizabeth Heagney, Research Director, Farming for the Future
Liz has designed and implemented large-scale research projects focussing on productivity and efficiency in primary industries in Australia and the Pacific, helping to build the case for practice change that improves both economic and environmental outcomes.
The Committee are delighted to report that there are over 400 people already registered. Accommodation in the area is filling up quickly and several field trips are at capacity, if you are planning to attend but haven't registered yet, we encourage you to register today.
Regards
Russell Dale and Jack Palmer
NZIF Organising Committee Members
The conference details:
Embracing our natural capital: The science, technology and art of managing forests for all values.
Date: Sunday 15 to Wednesday 18 October 2023
Location: Twin Towns Conference Centre, Gold Coast, QLD
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2023 ANZIF Conference!
https://www.forestryconference.com.au/
