9th October 2023 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

As many of you are aware, we filed for a Judicial Review of the new ETS fees last Friday in collaboration with the Climate Forestry Association, Nga Pou a Tane, and FOA. The overwhelming support we received from our members, along with the adverse impact these fees will have on our forests, especially new plantings, motivated us to take this action. Our Council, guided by the objectives of ‘acting as an independent advocate for forestry’ and' representing the forestry profession’, decided a Judicial Review was the most effective method to challenge these fees.

I understand some members might have questions about the legitimacy of this action within the NZIF rules. To address this, I want to clarify that our decision was based on the substantial support from our members and the potential detrimental effects of these fees on our industry, especially new native plantings. Legal advice received was that a Judical Review would be the best method of getting these fees re-assessed.

I have no delusions that this will be easy to win, however, doing nothing was not an option and I believe the legal action combined with political lobbying will result in a change. I also want members to note that we are not dipping into the NZIF balance sheet for this endeavour, instead, we have garnered pledges of support from forest owners, managers, and consultants, and I thank all those who to date have supported this process. I will be the point of contact for NIZF in this process and as the Presidents role is voluntary once again, this will not result in any cost to NZIF.

I encourage any member with questions or concerns about this process to reach out to me. Transparency and open communication are vital during such crucial times.

In other news, ANZIF kicks off this Sunday, and I am eagerly looking forward to meeting many of you there. Your feedback is invaluable, so please feel free to approach me for a chat. Remember, NZIF exists for you, and your input is always welcome.

Additionally, I am pleased to inform you that our updated rules are currently with MoJ and are expected to be in place by January 1, 2024.

Finally, I am pleased to see the number of members seeking registration increasing steadily. I encourage those of you considering registration to proceed; a higher percentage of registered members strengthens our professional standing. Council are working hard on providing CPD courses, and we hope to be able to have an annual plan of CPD courses for next year, which we will build on year on year.  

We are also closely reviewing the NES-CF and will be sharing our comments soon. If any member has significant concerns which should be raised with officials, please do not hesitate to inform me or Veronica.

As we continue our various initiatives, your support is invaluable. If you are willing to contribute or have specific areas where you can lend a hand, please feel free to contact me. Together, we can make a difference.

Thanks
James

President
Email

MEMBER'S VOICE

Letter by David Field to Farmers Weekly

Dear Editor

I read Neil Wallace' article (25 Sept.) on the expected fire risk this summer, with interest. As a retired Forester and Principal Rural Fire Officer with 40 years experience, then a farmer with 20 years of small bonfires on my own property, I have a very good idea of the various "pros and cons". Eighteen months ago I wrote to Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) saying that we need to re-impose fire permits. There are too many inexperienced and even foolish people who light fires without oversight. The reply from FENZ was that it wasn't their business and it looks like Regional and District Councils don't care either. I know a number of FENZ staff and how well they deal with fire emergencies, here and overseas. They also assist home owners with fire alarm issues. I am grateful to them for their help and competence but wish the FENZ hierarchy could review their mandate for fire permits, and not just rely on fire suppression.

Dave Field, Rotorua

Judicial Review - NZIF appreciates your support- some member comments:

"Congratulate you on taking the case and you have my support."

"We really appreciate you and the institute going ahead with this – thank you greatly."

"Thanks very much for your hard work on this cause." 

"All our ETS participants are fully behind this Judicial Review"

"Agree the participants should make a contribution."

"Count me in!"

"You are so right such a major change should be challenged especially so close to an election"

"We welcome the news about the Judicial Review you are filing relative to the proposed ETS charges"

NZIF JOURNAL

Reading our forestry journal offers numerous benefits to members, graduates, and students alike. For members, it provides access to the latest industry insights and research, helping them stay at the forefront of forestry developments. Graduates can enhance their expertise and career prospects by staying informed and networking with fellow professionals. As for students, our journal serves as a valuable educational resource, supporting coursework and providing a platform to explore potential career paths. Whether you're a seasoned expert, a recent graduate, or an aspiring student, our journal opens doors to knowledge, networking, and career growth in the world of forestry. Join us in shaping a sustainable future for our planet through informed and empowered readership.

Read our latest issue that includes the following:

Note: You need to be logged into the website to view the full article

• NZ Journal of Forestry
• Editorial
• Cyclone Gabrielle and the Government Enquiry - a summary of the NZIF submitted position
• Improving commercial forestry's social licence - Top of the South case study
• Carbon footprint of forest harvesting operations in New Zealand
• 100 (or so) years on - the development and contribution of NZFS to forestry and forestry practice in New Zealand (Part 1 - to 1939)
• 2023 Awards Dinner
• Last Word

Read more

MEDIA RELEASES

Groups unanimous: urgent action and investment needed to tackle out-of-control browsing pests

Farmers, foresters and conservationists are all calling on political parties to commit to controlling the large mobs of browsing pests such as deer, goats, pigs, and wallabies now common across New Zealand. Federated Farmers, the New Zealand Institute of Forestry, and Forest & Bird wrote to major political parties this week asking for targeted funding to bring about a reset in wild browsing pest numbers. A copy of the letter, as well as images and videos from around the country, is available.

Read more

Updated forestry regulations increase council controls and require large slash removal

Local councils will have more power to decide where new commercial forests – including carbon forests – are located, to reduce impacts on communities and the environment, Environment Minister David Parker said today.

“New national standards give councils greater control over commercial forestry, including clear rules on harvesting practices and new requirements to remove slash from erosion-prone land” he said.

Read more

Revised NZIF Forest Valuation Standards 2023

The NZIF Forest Valuation Working Party has revised the Forest Valuation Standards that were not updated in 2020.  Exposure Drafts of the revised standards are now available for review.  Please  send feedback on the revised standards (by 27 November 2023) to the Convenor of the NZIF Forest Valuation Working Party at bruce.manley@canterbury.ac.nz.  Final Standards will be released after final review following the consultation period.

Documents that have been revised in the 2023 round of revisions are:

Background Chapters

A5 Taxation
A6 Funding and Ownership Structure
A7 Nature of the market for Forests

Standards

B9 Contingencies
B11 Taxation Effects

B13 Change in Value over Time
B14 Valuation for Insurance

Presentation Standards (one file)

C1 Sources and References
C2 Presentation and Limitations

Glossary (one file)

E1 Glossary of Forestry Terms
E2 Glossary of Forestry Economic Terms
E3 Glossary of Symbols Commonly Used in Forestry

REGISTRATION BOARD

Early Career Development Programme Committee
Expressions of Interest sought for Committee Membership

Expressions of Interest are sought from New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) members interested in being considered for appointment to the NZIF Registration Board Early Career Development Programme Committee.

The Registration Board has developed a structured Early Career Development Programme as an important component of the Institute’s ongoing commitment to advancing and enhancing the professionalism of all aspects of forest management in New Zealand.

The programme was approved by the NZIF Council on 9 February 2023 and the NZIF Council on 10 August 2023 approved the more detailed programme and the establishment of the Committee.  The NZIF Council has delegated management and administration of the programme to the Registration Board.  The Board is currently developing the online application and management system for this programme, which is scheduled to go live before the end of 2023.

The purpose of the Early Career Development Programme Committee is:

1. Oversee the assessment of applications to participate in the NZIF Early Career Development Programme and make recommendations to the Registration Board regarding approval of applications from:
   1. NZIF Student members in their last year of study toward a qualification acceptable for NZIF registration (year 1 of the programme)
   2. NZIF members with less than two years of post-qualification experience in some branch of forestry or an allied discipline (years 2-3 of the programme)
   3. NZIF members applying to be NZIF Provisional Registered Forestry Professionals while gaining the 5 years post-qualification experience required to apply to be a NZIF registered forestry professional (years 4-6 of the programme).
2. Oversee the annual reporting process of participants and sponsors.
3. Oversee overall quality assurance of the programme.
4. Oversee the participants’ compliance with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
5. Provide input and assistance on what specific and customized CPD and other supporting programmes should and are made available to Early Career Development Programme participants.
6. Provide information to NZIF members on the content and the nature (and benefits) of the programme.
7. Link into Future Foresters programmes as relevant.

The committee is appointed by the NZIF Registration Board and comprises:

• A Chair
• A Deputy Chair
• Three to five committee members

Expressions of interest are sought from NZIF members who would like to be considered for appointment to the Early Career Development Programme Committee.

If you are interested, please forward to the Registration Board Registrar by 31 October 2023:

• short written note as to the basis for your interest in the Committee; and
• current copy of your C.V

We look forward to your expression of interest. Thank you.

Peter Casey
Chair
NZIF Registration Board

From the Registrar 9^th October 2023 

APPLICATION Approved FOR REGISTERED MEMBER

• Andrew Buswell
• John Jamieson
• Anton Ridley
• Alex Tolan
• Bridget Robson
• Nick van Handel
• Grace Villamor
• Melissa Nicol
• Robin Hartley
• Trevor Mitchell
• Mike King
• Stephen Pawson
• Maria Nally
• Matt Wakelin
• Felix Brandt
• Peter Clinton
• Serajis Serakin

APPLICATION Approved OF 5 YEAR REGISTRATION REVIEW 

• Jeremy Waldegrave

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; 

• 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 (5 June 2023) of the notice in this newsletter, specifying the grounds for the objection. 

The following Members are now due for their 5-Year review of registration which must be completed no later than 31 May 2024 

• Bill Lu of Auckland 
• Ellanese Mytton of Tauranga
• Andrew Clark of Rotorua
• Martin Watson of Christchurch
• Peter Handford of Paekakariki
• Edwin Jansen of Christchurch
• Patrick Milne of Christchurch

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 (14^th August 2023) of the notice in this newsletter, specifying the grounds for the objection. 

Peter Gorman, Registrar  
NZIF Registration Board 
registrar@nzif.org.nz 
+64 21 166 5938 

EVENTS

Future Proofing Forestry Contractor's Workshops

Designed for the contractors within your company, this series of six one-day workshops looks at building resilience for the future - looking after you, your people, and your business.

Make the most of this opportunity to learn from the experts on how to ensure your business can survive in uncertain times; how to make sure you’re able to ride out the lows and make the most of the highs.

Morning tea and lunch provided – FREE TO THE INDUSTRY thanks to the support of the Ministry for Primary Industries.

This programme of workshops is presented by FICA, A-OK Auckland, FISC/Toroawhi & Blackburne Group. Proposed dates for the Workshops:

 Read more

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