10th April 2024 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

Dear Members

I extend my congratulations to the newly elected members of the Council who officially assumed their roles on July 1st this year. Please join me in acknowleding Adrian Loo as Vice President, along with Russell Dale, Lania Holt, Jacqui Aimers, Jack Palmer, Kit Richards, David Cormack, David Rhodes, and Rob Millar. I am looking forward to working with this council as we work on enhancing benefits for all members.  During June, we will hold a joint planning session of both councils to outline our goals for the upcoming two years. Your input is welcome.  If you have specific interests or concerns you would like us to address, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts via email at president@nzif.org.nz before the end of this month.

As stated numerous times, this will be my final term. As part of our strategic planning, we need to explore avenues to alleviate the significant voluntary commitment required of the President. Over the years, I have witnessed the immense dedication of past Presidents, who have generously volunteered countless hours to NZIF, which currently is about 40 hours a week. However, sustaining such a level of commitment is not feasible, and we must actively seeking solutions to ensure the next President's workload is more manageable.

In our recent Council meeting, we were pleased to host the Minister, who provided insights into forthcoming government policies. While some details are still pending clarification, it is evident the policies outlined during the election will be implemented. These include measures such as one-year consents for new wood processing facilities, the repeal of the Log Traders and Forest Advisors Act, and initiatives to partner with the private sector for tree planting. We will continue to seek further information on the implementation of these policies and keep all members informed. See attached link:  Forests for a Strong Economy 

One policy in particular (the repeal of the Log traders and forest Advisors regs) we are looking at carefully.  The Minister hinted there could be a role for our scheme (a bit like the Masters Builders), but he needs a better understanding out our scheme.  I suspect this won’t place our scheme under regulation (except in relation to the Real Estate regulations), but potential will include strong support from Government for the public to use a Registered NZIF Forest Professional when seeking forest advice.   

Greg Adlam and I met with Grant Thornton (who has been appointed as reviewer) regarding the review of ETS costs. We highlighted areas where costs appear unjust and services fail to meet expected standards. Grant Thornton is to assess all costs in alignment with principles of transparency, justifiability, efficiency, and equity, and we implied many of the costs did not meet one or more of these.  We also addressed the heightened risks faced by registrants due to substantial fines for errors, coupled with challenges in obtaining affordable insurance. Our commitment to challenging proposed fees through the JR process remains steadfast, with costs being covered through alternative means to ensure member subscriptions are not impacted.

Lastly, I urge caution regarding the NZJF website, which we suspect may be a phishing site. While it replicates information from our website, it is not affiliated with NZIF. Please refrain from sharing personal details and contact us if you encounter any suspicious activity.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we will navigate these challenges and strive for the betterment of our community and industry.

Thanks
James

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

Career Change Updates

• Mike Carson: shared he is starting a new position as a Tree Breeding Consultant.
• Ellanese Mytton: shared she is now Lead, Investment Analystics ANZ at New Forests
• Rown Struthers: shared he is now Chief Executive at Forest Industry Contractors Association
• Robin Hartley: shared he is now Senior Scientist, Autonomous Systems at Scion

If you would like to let fellow members know you have moved to a new position then drop us an email.

Recent Loss

We note with sadness the passing of the following NZIF Member:

• John Barber who is recorded as joining NZIF in 1962.

A full obituary will be published in the journal.

Are you remembering to read the following?!

Have you read the latest Journal of Forestry?   Latest issue is out now!

The NZIF Forestry Handbook is always being updated.  Always some good reading to be found.

NZIF Foundation Scholarships will be coming up again this year and they are always happy to receive any donations.

For our young foresters, remember to connect with the Future Foresters

The Salary Survey is up for review soon but members can still access all the information in the members areas: Salary Survey

SEEDLING DISTRIBUTION

Dave Peet did his training at Kaingaroa Forest with NZ Forest Service.

In 1975/76 he transferred to Mangatu Forest on the East Coast, which was specialised in Erosion Control Planting. Some real funny experiments were trialed, like covering part of the Tarndale slip in polathene and planting Toi Toi & Pinus Nigra, none of which was successful.

Had all of the plantings on the slips & earth flows been Pinus Radiata it would have been better, as we now know. The last one he observed was the Mata riverside on Ihungia Station. He lived opposite these slips for three years. They were planted in the 1990s and are mostly covered now.

More to come next week.....

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

Are you seeking top talent to join your team in the forestry industry? Look no further! NZIF is delighted to offer you a prime opportunity to showcase your job vacancies in our fortnightly newsletter and on our dedicated Situation Vacant webpage.

Why advertise with us?

• Direct Targeting: Reach professionals who are actively involved in the forestry industry to make sure they are aware of your job openings and have an interest in them.
• Enhanced Visibility: Amplify your recruitment efforts by featuring your vacancies in our newsletter, gaining exposure among our industry network.
• Streamlined Recruitment: Simplify your hiring process and connect with the perfect candidates efficiently.
• Community Engagement: Strengthen your connection with potential candidates who are actively involved in the forestry community.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to find your next team member!  EMAIL NOW!

Download the booking form to learn more about advertising and the cost of placing your job vacancies with NZIF.

Join us in shaping the future of forestry talent recruitment!

WEBINAR UPDATES

NZIF Webinar: Forest Management Controls in the Pacific North West and their relevance to New Zealand

This was a really popular webinar held last month.  If you missed and want to still watch it, you can purchase it now from the NZIF Shop (the link will take you right there!)

Richard Cook was asked a few questions that weren't covered in his presentation and he has responded to those below:

• Good preso cookie, in your view how important of all factors is the geological differences between NZ and USA/Canada. Very Young vs old geology with high hard rock content.
  • The inherent stability of the geology is a primary driver for the shallow landslides that supplies the woody debris to the watercourses when in combination with steep slopes (>25^O) and high rainfall.
• Would you consider adopting any operational practices used in the PNW?
  • I think I answered this one something along the lines of “where it makes sense in the New Zealand context”.  An example of this could be the engineering practices around watercourses.
• Interesting to hear that there was no scienc to back up clear cut restrictions. If so how were the numbers arrived at? By consensus with stakeholders or plucked out of the air?
  • The general consensus across the States we visited was that the clearfell constraints they have were politically driven based on public perception that, at best, resulted in a negotiated compromise. 
• Public infrastructure - houses, bridges roads - were they located/engineered to deal with flood events, esp. those that are likely to contain woody debris?
  • From the discussions we and the observations we made, it was clear that woody debris is an accepted part of the environment - in lakes, in rivers, and in and along the coast.  As a consequence, we would assume infrastructure and development has been adapted to accommodate woody debris.  
• Is the riparian mairgin set backs or coupe harvesting seen as the key mitigation measure for slash or sediment mobilisation?
  • The riparian margins are primarily about water quality and the protection of habitat.  While this goes beyond simply minimising sediment, that was certainly one of the drivers. As we noted in the presentation, woody debris in the watercourses was recognised as essential for ecosystem health.
• All areas visited had large riparian areas, do you think there is a place for larger riparian margins in high risk NZ sites?
  • As we saw with the PNW, there is a real risk of making poor decisions when they are not supported by sound science.  To date, the presumption that wider is better has not been supported by the science, especially in the context of a commercial forest.

NZIF April Webinar is coming soon!

FA WEBINAR | Cultivating Connections: Aboriginal, Torres Strait, and Traditional Owner Forest Management

This webinar run by Forestry Australia delves into Indigenous forest management practices and perspectives on two-way capacity building, collaboration, and partnerships. Focused on the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Traditional Owner world view, it highlights case studies showcasing a holistic approach to land stewardship. Participants will gain insights into the rich tapestry of Indigenous forest management philosophy, rooted in millennia of traditional knowledge and practice.

The webinar will also spotlight successful initiatives where Indigenous knowledge and practice intertwines with forest scientists to achieve sustainable forest management outcomes. By fostering dialogue between Indigenous land managers and forest scientists, this webinar aims to consider pathways towards inclusive, culturally sensitive forest management practices that honours all stakeholders and fosters healthy forests and Country.

Date: Wednesday 24 April

Time: 12:30 – 2:00pm (AEST)

REGISTER HERE

Note: This registration link has been provided for NZIF Members only, you will be registering with FA directly.

Everyone who registers:

• Receives a link and joining instructions 24 hours before the webinar commences
• Receives a recording of the webinar, so if you can’t listen live you can listen later

IUFRO CONFERENCE 2025

LOCAL SECTION EVENTS

NZIF Canterbury Section: Forestry in other countries - 2 Presentations

This event hosted by the Canterbury Local Section received an overwhelmingly positive response, drawing interest not only from the local members but also from individuals outside the area. In a gesture of inclusivity, the organisers kindly facilitated live access to the presentation via Zoom on this ocassion, it was not recorded.

Local Section gatherings serve as invaluable platforms for networking and sharing knowledge. When an event has exceptional interest, NZIF may have the opportunity to approach the presenter and enquire if they would consider holding a session as a CPD Webinar in the future but this is not guaranteed.

Nelson Presentation: Using LiDAR metrics to estimate Tree Height, DBH & Carbon Content

With new technologies the likes of LiDAR becoming more frequently available, the forestry industry has the potential to increase our understanding of forest volumes for a broad spectrum of benefits.

You are invited to come along and attend a presentation from Euan Mason, who will be presenting on his experience with LiDAR metrics to estimate tree height, tree DBHs and carbon content. 

Topic: Using LiDAR metrics to estimate Tree Height, DBH & Carbon Content.
Speaker: Euan Mason
When: Thursday 18^th April, 16:00 – 17:30pm
Where: Kārearea room at the OneFortyOne Office, 58A Gladstone Road, Richmond

This is an in-person event only.

Registrations close: Wednesday, 17th April 2024

Register here

FIRE NEWS

Government Fire Email Update

Decisions on Fire and Emergency levy exemptions from 1 July 2026

Tēnā koe

You are receiving this email because you provided feedback during August and September 2022, as part of targeted consultation on exemptions to the levy that funds Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

A redesigned levy on insurance will fund Fire and Emergency from 1 July 2026. The fire levy will apply to any insurance contract covering loss or damage from fire, and to contracts of insurance covering motor vehicles. The levy only applies to insured property. If your property is uninsured, you will not pay fire levy on that property.

Government decisions on levy exemptions

The Government has recently decided on exemptions that will apply from 1 July 2026, when a redesigned insurance levy commences. Exemptions will ensure that those not benefitting from Fire and Emergency services do not pay levy.

The following list of property types will be exempt from 1 July 2026:

1. New Zealand Defence Force property;
2. mines and tunnelling operations;
3. reservoirs, dams, drains or channels;
4. offshore installations;
5. cabling and pipelines on the sea floor, breakwaters, moles, and groynes;
6. art and collections held by cultural heritage bodies;
7. ships that are registered internationally;
8. aircraft that regularly fly international routes; and
9. goods insured for import and export.

Three classes of insurance contract will also be exempt from the levy:

1. insurance for war and terrorism risks, where the property is also insured under an all-risks policy;
2. deductible buydown insurance; and
3. insurance covering existing property as part of contracts works policy.

Analysis that informed these decisions is on the Department of Internal Affairs’ website here: https://www.dia.govt.nz/firelevy. We will publish your submission on our website soon, with any personal contact details removed.

The exemptions listed above will be set in regulations at the end of this year. We will be in touch again when these regulations are finalised. Existing exemptions under the transitional levy remain in place until the new levy commences.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is seeking feedback on levy rates until 17 May

The Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 requires Fire and Emergency to consult publicly on how it will meet its revenue needs through the insurance levy. Public consultation on levy rates begins today and will run until 17 May 2024.

We recognise that changes to levy exemptions are likely to impact policyholders who insure property that will no longer be exempt. Feedback on Fire and Emergency’s levy rate proposals from those who may be impacted by the change to exemptions will be vital and we encourage you to take part in the consultation.

You can find out more about Fire and Emergency’s levy rate proposals for the period starting 1 July 2026 here: https://fireandemergency.nz/about-us/public-consultation.

Thank you again for providing feedback to us during targeted consultation on exemptions from the levy. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Ngā mihi nui

Jayne Beggs
Policy Director – Community, Digital and Identity

2024 NZIF NELSON CONFERENCE

NZIF Conference - Working hard to create the best experience for you!

The Nelson Committee are working hard to secure a great group of speakers for the upcoming conference, and they plan to announce them by the end of April/early May. The three field trips are shaping up nicely, offering interesting places to visit and talks to learn from. Almost done is finalising the special interest group events, ensuring there's something for everyone. Nelson's beautiful location always draws a crowd, and the Nelson Committee are excited to host a popular event in this great location that offers so much. Plus, we'll have some "must do" CPD sessions to boost your knowledge and hours.

The next newsletter will be featuring Sponsors who have come on board, but we are always keen to have more, so let us know if you are interested so you can be included.

Venue: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson 

Dates:  4th to 6th September 2024

REGISTRATION BOARD UPDATE

APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER

• Elizabeth (Lisa) Langer
• Ross McFarlane

NOTICE OF 5 YEAR REGISTRATION REVIEW  

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

• Martin Watson of Christchurch 
• Peter Handford of Paekakariki 
• 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 of the notice in this newsletter, specifying the grounds for the objection.  

Annual Certificate of Registration (ACR)

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: 

ACR Criteria (this will appear on your member’s profile under ACR or Certificate tab, after the 1^st April 2024).

1. 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.
   
2. Update your CPD records online for year ending 31 December 2023. Once your CPD has been approved, the check box under your ACR on your profile should automatically be ticked.
   
3. Ensure your membership fee is paid.
4. 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 or questions on the above information please contact registration@nzif.org.nz or registrar@nzif.org.nz  

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

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