24th October 2023 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Dear Members
I trust you had a rejuvenating long weekend. Last week's ANZIF conference was a testament to the energy and enthusiasm within our forestry community. The conference buzzed with over 120 speakers, featuring engaging discussions, four enriching field trips, and the participation of nearly 500 dedicated delegates. The theme of 'Embracing Our Natural Capital' was expertly explored, culminating in a pleasant dinner set amidst the wilderness of a wildlife park. My heartfelt gratitude extends to Australian Forestry and the organising committee, with special acknowledgement to Russell Dale and Jack Palmer from the NZ committee, whose efforts ensured the event's success.
Looking ahead, the prospect of ANZIF in New Zealand, four years from now, holds immense significance. It marks the 100th anniversary of NZIF. Plans are underway to craft a truly memorable event, and I encourage all of you to consider being a part of this momentous occasion.
With the Government still not formed we have been unable to lobby against the incoming ETS fees, or the date for leaving the ETS and not having to pay the fees. The latter in particular has caused a lot of grief and many trusts, companies, and Māori forest owners have been unable to call a meeting in the time period to discuss exit and the effects. It is fair to say I feel the timing of these fee changes appears deliberate, a strategic move made during the election period when our voices would be temporarily muted. Despite this setback, rest assured that we are proactive. We have initiated dialogues with potential candidates from National, Act, and NZ First, and will engage the incoming Minister as soon as they are appointed.
In our pursuit of fairness and justice, the Judicial Review (JR) continues its progression through the legal channels. We are heartened by the collective support from organisations such as Climate Forestry Association, Nga Pou o Tane, FOA, and Ngai Tahu who have agreed to join us as an applicant. I am also very grateful for the numerous individual pledges of financial assistance. I want to be unequivocally clear: we will not tap into our members' funds for this legal battle. We are meticulously monitoring costs against the substantial pledged support, which already exceeds $100K. If any member wishes to contribute to this cause, be it a flat fee or based on hectares, please reach out to me directly.
Additionally, our collaboration with the Pan Sector group, comprising NZIF, FICA, TIF, WPMA, Nga Pou o Tane, FFA, and FOA, is gaining momentum. We are scheduled to meet with Ray Smith in early November, focusing not only on the pressing issue of fees but also seeking insights into the new government's stance on forestry. We will also be presenting a joint briefing to the incoming minister.
On a more immediate note, I am thrilled to announce that Heather Arnold has graciously offered a CPD session on the new NES-CF this week. I urge all members to register for this important opportunity. While we intend to introduce a modest charge for future CPD sessions to cover setup and IT costs, this session will be free for all members. Your engagement and support are vital as we navigate these changes.
I want to acknowledge the immense contributions of our dedicated volunteers. Their tireless efforts have been the backbone of NZIF. However, given the evolving landscape post-RFA and the increased demands on our profession, it is becoming evident we need to seek alternative means of support. We are actively exploring avenues to alleviate the strain on our volunteers and enhance our operational efficiency.
As we continue to work diligently on local section meetings, policies, social license enhancement, submissions, journal improvements, IT system upgrades, and various Special Interest Groups, I am mindful that our current Council's term is drawing to a close. If you are considering standing for the council and wish to understand more about the role, please feel free to contact me. Elections are on the horizon, slated for next March.
Thanks
James
MEMBER'S VOICE
Did you know that NZIF has a group page?
We'd love to have you join the NZIF LinkedIn group! Your unique perspective and insights would be a fantastic addition to our community. It's a great platform to share info and chat with like-minded individuals in the forestry world. Come on in and let's get the conversation started!
Note: Since this is a private group, joining is by request only.
Recent Loss
It is with sadness that we hear of the recent passing of John Haulket, a previous NZIF Member. Peter Berg was kind enough to provide some background on John's past.
John was one of those truly different foresters - his career started in the practical ranks with Ranger Training but his abilities soon led him into Forester training. He was always interested in matters considered slightly outside main stream forestry, such as his work with the Kauri Management Unit in Northland and subsequently more broadly in native forestry. He thoroughly researched these aspects of forestry, producing a book on kauri with Vern Sale, and later another on native forestry. In each case John focused on correctly recording the circumstances and the endeavours made to maintain these forests. As a member of NZIF he was in demand to talk on such matters, he was on the Journal editorial board until 1989. John also had a keen interest in the people he worked with and was able to produce good stories years later, sometimes to the slight chargrin of those involved.
Like many others working in the NZ Forest Service, he was disappointed by the decision to close the department and felt that this should not happen without some acknowledgement of the contribution and experiences of the people involved. Together we produced a book recording a little of that, Tree People, which was published a little after the department closed. He progressed through senior roles in the Department of Conservation and in the NSW State Forestry Department before becoming more involved in forestry journalism and providing professional services through his own consultancy business which involved work in a number of Asian countries. Throughout this time he produced further publications on Australian forestry species and also forestry in the tropics.
Although largely based out of Australia John kept in touch with his NZ colleagues, and of course his brother Lawrie who was also known to many in the timber industry where he spent most of his forestry career. It's sad to report John's passing but I am pleased to be able to acknowledge his contribution to the forestry record in New Zealand.
NZIF FOUNDATION UPDATE
The NZIF Foundation has updated their website page
Take a look and see what some scholarship recipients have to say.
Scholarships and their use
Scholarships have been awarded for a range of research topics and study expenses including:
- Scientific research including on native forest restoration, carbon farming, pest control, water deficit, terrain and land use research, resin, bio-fuel.
- People related research including how machine operators deal with stress, productivity analysis of mechanised logging, harvesting efficiency analysis, working hours analysis.
- Supply-chain related research such as analysis of New Zealand’s bulk vessel availability for log exports, log exporting and cooperative competition in logistics activities, load rates at different ports, implications of log taper on accuracy of JAS scaling.
- Technology related research including development of teleoperated robots, machine utilisation using GPS tracking.
- Course fees and course related travel costs for tertiary study relating to forestry.
‘Forestry’ includes all activities involved in the management and use of forests and their products, operating across the full spectrum of forests and forestry in New Zealand, both for wood production and other purposes.
All Donations to the Foundation are welcomed.
