4th December 2023 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Dear Members
This week council meets for the last time this year. In this meeting, we'll be wrapping up this year's business by finalising the budget for the upcoming year and strategically outlining our 2024 programs.
There is one more meeting before the next council elections which will take place in March. If you've ever considered standing for council, I wholeheartedly encourage you to nominate yourself. A contested election ensures diverse perspectives and robust discussions—always invaluable for progress.
You will have noted we are organising more CPD than in the past and I thank the councillors working on this program. Our goal is to have an annual program of CPD which you can schedule. We will continue to add in additional CPD as required. Please note, while undertaking CPD is a requirement for members who are registered, we encourage all members to undertake CPD. Keeping up to date is important for any profession including ours. We are recording the CPD sessions so you can partake in your own time if you could not attend at the scheduled time.
Looking ahead, there might be a nominal charge for CPD sessions to cover expenses. Additionally, we're considering compensating non-NZIF presenters for their valuable contributions—essential for enriching and diversifying our CPD offerings.
Also this week, the Pan Sector Forum is meeting to finalise the formation of this forum and agree to action items for next year. I was hopeful to have the new Minister attend; however cabinet timing has changed and he no longer is able to. Instead I will be holding a one on one with him latter in the week. There is a large amount to discuss and to clarify, including ETS fees, RFA’s, planting restrictions, the ITP future, how to plant 300,000 hectares of native forests, biodiversity markets, ETS stability. If member feel there are other things I should be speaking to Ministers on please let me know.
Collaboration remains key. Federated Farmers, F&B, and NZIF are aligning efforts to meet with Ministers McClay, Potaka, Watts, and Simmonds.
Our consortium's judicial review regarding ETS fees has gained verbal support from Beef and Lamb, fostering potential areas for joint collaboration in the future. I believe building relationships with other land users is pivotal to the success of NZIF and to NZ. I will be working to build this relationship next year. Beef and Lamb recognise the importance of excellent professional advice around forests be they indigenous or exotic. They also recognise they will have a need to reduce their carbon footprint in the future. Whilst there is some concern around land use change at a large scale, they also recognise land use change has been a feature of NZ for decades, they just want to ensure the pendulum does not swing too far. B&L farmers are going to be vitally important if we are to meet the 300,000 hectare goal of native forest establishment and it is important we are working together rather than attacking each other.
As we step into December, amidst festive celebrations, I urge everyone to stay safe and enjoy a well-deserved break. Let's remember to support one another, I know there are some members doing it tough at present.
Thanks
James
NZ FOUNDATION - Expressions of Interest
Shape Futures with the NZIF Foundation! Join Us as a Trustee!
Passionate about empowering students? Be a part of the NZIF Foundation as a Trustee! Make a difference in someone's career – your enthusiasm is what we need to support up and coming foresters through scholarships and awards.
Why a Foundation Trustee?
- Impactful role, not burdensome
- Shape the future of New Zealand's industry
- Contribute skills and passion to a meaningful cause
Your Role:
Identify and support deserving talents, bridging the gap between potential and opportunity.
Email us Now:
If you are interested in being a Trustee. Email us at the Foundation Visit our NZIF webpage
Let us know by: 31st December 2023 - we are looking to appoint one or two new trustees early in the New Year
Questions? Email us at the Foundation
Join us – empower the next generation! 
UPCOMING 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:
Wairoa & other final workshop either H/Bay or Tairawhiti
18 & 19 December 2023
School of Forestry Professional Development Courses
Four one-day courses will be taught in February 2024, targeting professionals working in or with the Forest industry. More detail, also for singing up, is in the flyer. Participants may sign up for 1, 2, 3 or all 4 courses.
- Mon 12th February 2024: Introducing ML and AI for Forestry Applications
- Tue 13th February 2024: Working with LiDAR and Drone data in Forestry Applications
- Wed 14th February 2024: RoadEng for Forest Road and Landing Design
- Thu 15th February 2024: Building better Forest Roads – Design and Construction.
