31st January 2024 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Dear members
Welcome to the New Year! I trust you've had a restful break and are geared up for whatever 2024 has in store for you.
You may have noticed this newsletter is reaching you on a different day this year. We are testing Wednesday deliveries while maintaining our fortnightly schedule. The production process for the newsletter was becoming time-consuming, often encroaching on our weekends. We hope this adjustment suits you better. We encourage more feedback and discussions from you, our members, as we believe the newsletter is a valuable tool. If there are better ways to transfer knowledge which you prefer, we are open to exploring those options.
As you know, this year brings elections for the Council, and we urge all of you to contemplate standing. If you have any queries, please email me, as I'm currently in Japan for the next few weeks on holiday. I'll have data to respond to emails but won't be available for calls. The new rules have been accepted by the Ministry of Justice, so this year we'll be voting for the President, Vice President, and 8 councillors.
In line with our last newsletter discussion, we're looking into ways to ease the load on the President moving forward. While I have agreed to stand for another term, it will be my final one (if successful in the election). A different structure is needed before my departure in two years to make the role appealing to future applicants. The new Council will be addressing this, and we welcome input from members.
This year, we're implementing a more formal and regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program. Many thanks to Russell and his team for their efforts in developing this initiative. I encourage all of you to participate in as many CPD events as possible, as they will be available online. A small charge will be applied to cover administrative costs, IT resources, and occasional speaker fees.
I have a meeting with the Minister this week, primarily discussing the unjust ETS fees. I will also take the opportunity to address other significant matters concerning NZIF, including the future of the RFA scheme. I will share more details on these topics upon my return.
Thank you for your continued support, and let's make 2024 a year of positive growth and collaboration.
James
KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP
Members Voice
The Journal plus some new ideas!
The email from NZIF on 20 December about reading the Journal online prompted me to write to President James saying that I would probably not do that as I can't stand being glued to a screen for long periods of time. I guess I'm just old-fashioned but I still read newspapers, proper books, magazines and actual journals. I find it a lot easier and quicker to just pick up a real publication, read for as long as I wan and put it down again.
James told me that the decision to go online was for cost-saving and I understand that. He said that members had been advised of the plan several times, and I'm embarrassed to say that I missed those warnings. He also said that only about three members sent feedback and just one member wanted the printed version. Others seemed uninterested in a Journal at all. I appreciate the excellent work that James and the Council do on our behalf and although I'm sorry that some members couldn't care less about our Journal I'll accept whatever decisions Council make.
I receive hard copies of journals from other professional bodies I subscribe to and note that some include advertisements from relevant organisations. I now wonder if NZIF could take a new step or two to boost our own income and maybe the continuation of a hard-copy Journal. So, how about some appropriate ads in the Journal, from commercial forestry companies, and others?
Furthermore, how about considering "Corporate Membership" of NZIF, from appropriate forestry companies and institutions? SCION as a Crown Research Institute might well become a Corporate Member. Tim Payn and other SCION staff often write for our Journal and are now regular writers to the numerous farming newspapers I receive. Incidentally, there is great value in having professional foresters contributing to farming publications these days.
Given that only one other of our members seemed to want an actual Journal I'm not optimistic but I would be pleased to get responses to my ideas for improving our income and broadening our membership.
Dave Field, Rotorua.
Success Story
NZ School of Forestry Schlich Memorial Award
The recipient of this award for the 2023 academic year is Liam Walker.
The cash prize and the Graduate Membership of NZIF are not only a recognition of his accomplishments but also a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Wishing Liam continued success in his future endeavors and that he enjoys the great experience of being a Graduate member of NZIF. May his career choices be rewarding and bring about even more accomplishments in the future.
Congratulations again to Liam!
Media Release
NZ Institute of Forestry President Challenges Newshub's Unprofessional Reporting
Member Search
We are constantly trying to keep the NZIF database up to date. We're in search of a member, Simon Anderson, who left his MPI job, on file there is no secondary email address, making it a bit of a challenge to reconnect. If anyone has information on Simon's whereabouts, please encourage him to get in touch with us at NZIF.
Additionally, it's a good time to remind everyone to review and update their membership details. Ensure your email is current and consider providing a secondary contact email or a phone number. Your cooperation is much appreciated. Thank you.
Forest Industry Wide COVID Survey
In December 2022 the Government announced the appointment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look at lessons learned from Aotearoa New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 that should be applied in preparation for any future pandemic.
Forestry has been invited to provide a submission relating to the areas in scope for the Inquiry.
To create the most useful report possible, the NZ Forest and Wood Sector Forum (Pan Sector Group) felt it important to have you share your experiences, perspectives, and information for the purposes of putting together one industry wide submission to Government. Your information will be confidential.
Once the report is published from the Royal Commission, our submission, along with other evidence provided to the Commission, will become part of the public record.
We are asking for forestry centric feedback in relation to the Government response to CoVID-19 through this survey. Please answer the short survey that follows on behalf of your forestry business/organisation. The final submission will be shared with you as a valued playing in the forestry supply chain.
With thanks and appreciation for your time – the survey closes this Friday 2 February 2024.
Expressions of Sympathy
John Richard Purey-Cust
John P-C died in his 90th year at Parata Anglican Rest Home in Gore, Southland. Born in England to parents who spent most of their lives in India, John was educated in England but studied Forestry at Edinburgh University. He emigrated to NZ in the early 1960’s where he was posted to Hanmer Forest.
John spent most of his working life with the NZ Forest Service in Southland Conservancy, having been based at Tapanui and Invercargill. He did, however, have a short stint at Head Office in Wellington, after he returned from some of his overseas assignments where he worked for a number of organisations in a wide range of countries.
John was an active member in the NZ Institute of Forestry, where he was elected as a Fellow, and he was also Journal Editor for a period. John was also a member of Royal Forest and Bird, and was a much-valued member of the NZ Farm Forestry Association.
Towards the end, John had lost his sight, a mortal blow for a man who was a prodigious reader, but he died from the effects of a serious stroke. John will be remembered for his generosity, his kindness, his intelligence, and his wit.
Warren Parker
Although Warren was not an NZIF Member, many members will have worked with or collaborated with Warren.
Warren was a strong supporter of forestry as well as showing how forestry and farming should/can work together.
Chair of Pamu, past CEO of Scion, Director Predator Free 2050. His advice and counsel will be missed.
Our condolences go out to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working with or knowing him.
2024 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: COUNCIL AND REGISTRATION BOARD
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) is currently seeking nominations for positions on both the NZIF Council and the NZIF Registration Board.
NZIF Council (10 positions):
President
Vice President
Eight Councillors
Nominees for Members of Council must be Full Voting Members, Retired Associate Members or Associate Members.
NOTE: The MoJ has signed off on the changes to the NZIF Rules (2023) passed at the AGM on the 8th July 2023.
NZIF Registration Board (2 positions)
One position shall be either a Retired Registered Member or Registered Member elected at the same time and in the same manner as members of the Council except that only Registered Members are eligible to cast a vote.
The other position shall be a Full Voting Member, elected at the same time and in the same manner as members of the Council.
Nominations for both Council and the Registration Board must have no fewer than two (2) nominee members, neither of whom may be a Student Member. A signature where applicable on the nomination form is required for it to be valid.
Nominations must be submitted to NZIF by 5:00pm, Thursday, 29th February 2024.
Full details on more specific rules and requirements can be found in the NZIF Rules available online under: About Us/Governing Rules
Nomination details and forms and more specific requirements can be found online under:
Members need to be signed into the members only area of the NZIF website to access the above nomination information and download nomination forms.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEBINARS
NZIF Plaque Installation - Hawkes Bay / Gisborne Sections
You are invited to attend the installation of the Plaque adjacent to the tree planted at Pakowhai Country Park to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III is taking place.
Date: Thursday 8th February 2024
Time: 3.00pm
Location to meet: Pakowhai Road, Tomoana, Pakowhai 4183
Following the installation and words spoken, we will convene to the 'Three Wise Birds' garden bar, 1412 Pakowhai Road, Hastings for a beer!
Bookings: Contact Bob Pocknall: bob.helanie@gmail.com
I am looking forward to catching up with my NZIF mates.
Bob Pocknall
NZIF Canterbury Section: Harvesting Site Visit & BBQ Lunch
Rayonier Matariki Forests and the NZIF Canterbury Section invite you to visit the harvesting operations in Omihi Forest.
HARVESTING SITE VISIT & BBQ LUNCH
Time: 8:00am - 11:00am*
Date: Thursday 8 February 2024
Location: Omihi Forest is currently being cable harvested, with winch-assisted ground-based harvesting also being carried out on this site. Extra harvest residue management is also being trialled. *noting likely harvesting activity restrictions in afternoons for fire danger.
The site visit will be followed by a BBQ lunch hosted at Rayonier Matariki Forests.
Please indicate your attendance for the field trip and the BBQ (incl. any dietary requirements) using the registration link and in the comments state if you will be only attending one of the above events. Further details will be advised upon registration.
We look forward to seeing you at the first Canterbury Section event for 2024!
Bookings close Monday, 5th February 2024
NZIF Webinar: Code of Ethics and Why it is Important for Members
The NZIF rules, in common with most professional bodies, require the Institute to have a Code of Ethics that is binding on every member.
As forestry professionals we provide advice and make decisions that have far reaching effects for our employer, our clients and in many cases the public and wider society. People must have confidence that the professional accepts the demands of the codes, rules, laws, standards, etc., that govern the profession.
As professionals, we must take responsibility for being competent and acting ethically. Our actions play an important role in the way in which the ethics of the profession are viewed by the public. If we don’t behave ethically, we lose the public’s trust and confidence, and our standing and influence. Ethical practice is therefore at the core of a professional’s activity.
The Institute regularly receives complaints about Members and is obliged to investigate them. When a committee is convened to investigate a complaint the focus is on whether the Member has breached the Institute’s Code of Ethics rules or regulations.
It is therefore extremely important that all NZIF Members are aware of, understand and abide by the Code of Ethics. Registered members who benefit from the exemption for NZIF Registered members under the Real Estate Agents Act and those who are registered with MPI as a Forestry Adviser have a legal requirement to comply with the NZIF Code of Ethics.
The Webinar will be presented by Andrew McEwen, a long standing NZIF member, a current member of the Registration Board and a previous President, who led the review of the Institute’s Code of Ethics that resulted in the adoption of the current code in 2022. Andrew has presented previously to Members and is well versed on the topic.
Presenter: Andrew McEwen
Date: Tuesday, 20th February 2024
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $10.00
Information: NZIF Code of Ethics
REGISTRATION BOARD UPDATE
Annual Certificate of Registration (ACR) requirements
“All Registered Members are advised to complete the following before 31 May 2024 to receive their Annual Certificate of Registration (ACR) for 2024 and to maintain their Registered Member status:
- Acknowledge that you have read and are prepared to adhere to the Code of Ethics (COE). This is a tick box under the ACR button on your Profile. Ticking this box means that you have read the COE and agree to abide by them. There is also a tick box question regarding Professional Indemnity Insurance. There is no need to send in any forms.
- Update your CPD records online for 2023. Once your CPD has been approved, the check box under your ACR on your profile should automatically be ticked.
- Ensure your membership fee is paid.
- Ensure any relevant 5-year reviews are completed. Your ACR will not be issued if you have not completed any relevant 5-year review processes.
Downloading your ACR. Once all 3 boxes are “ticked” ie CPD, Declarations and Invoice then your ACR will be available as a pdf to download from the ACR button. An email will be sent advising when you can start entering the declarations, but you should already have updated your CPD. Thanks to those who have already submitted their CPD for approval.
If you have any problems please contact registrar@nzif.org.nz or registration@nzif.org.nz “
From the Registrar 31st January 2024
APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER
- Richard Cook
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 (14th August 2023) of the notice in this newsletter, specifying the grounds for the objection.
RECENT FORESTRY ARTICLES
Consistent patterns of common species across tropical tree communities
Just published in Nature, shows some uncanny similarities among the world’s great tropical rainforests.
In terms of their tree communities, rainforests in the Amazon, Africa, and Southeast Asia are all dominated by a few surprisingly ‘common’ species. In each of these regions, about 2.2% of the tree species at any site account for fully half of all the trees there.
These findings could shake up thinking about tropical rainforests. Why do rainforests around the world behave like this, having many rare tree species but also a handful of far more common species? And why is the proportion of ‘common’ tree species always about 2.2%?
Findings like this could also have important implications for forest conservation: it may be easier to predict how a few dozen common tree species will respond to future environmental threats, such as climate change or forest disruption, than will hundreds of rare species.
In undertaking this project, my co-authors and studied more than 1 million trees across the tropics. Kudos to the lead authors because without such a giant international effort, it’s unlikely that a landmark study like this could ever have been attempted.
REFERENCE
Cooper, D. M., et al. 2024. Consistent patterns of common species across tropical tree communities. Nature, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06820-z.
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NZIF Administrator
Email: NZIF Office
Mobile: +64 22 653 3750
NZIF Registration Board
Email: Registrations
Mobile: +64 27 463 1118
Complaints
Email: Complaints
Appeals
Email: Appeals
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