17th July 2024 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Dear Members
Have you registered for the 2024 Conference? If not please stop reading now open our website and register. The annual conference is not only a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow professionals but also a crucial platform to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in our industry. I encourage you to attend and actively participate in the sessions. Your insights and contributions are invaluable to the ongoing success of our institute and the forestry sector at large.
We are also looking for nominations for our annual awards, Kirk Horn, Forester of the Year, POW sustainability cup as well as Fellows. Please send us your nominations which close the end of the month.
I encourage you to attend the AGM, which will take place after the conference. We will begin initial discussions about drafting a new constitution, as required by the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. This new constitution will replace our current rules, and we need to consider how detailed we want it to be. We must be fully compliant with the new act by March 2026, so we aim to approve the new constitution at the 2025 AGM. Over the next year, we will work on drafting it and seeking feedback from members. Additionally, we will address other minor changes necessary to meet the Act's conditions.
We are also beginning the planning process for the NZIF’s centennial celebrations during 2027. Reaching a hundred years is a monumental milestone, and we want to make sure our celebrations reflect the rich history and bright future of forestry in New Zealand. To this end, we are calling for volunteers to join the centennial planning committee. Your help in organising events, gathering historical materials, and generating ideas for commemorating this occasion will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in contributing, please get in touch with Veronica at NZIF Administration
On another note, I want to address a matter of importance to all of us. Recently, we have received a number of complaints regarding poor advice being dispensed within our industry. This underscores the need for rigorous standards and continuous professional development. If you know colleagues or acquaintances who are not yet members of the NZIF, please encourage them to join. Becoming a registered forest professional not only enhances individual credibility but also strengthens the overall quality and integrity of our profession.
Let’s work together to uphold the highest standards of practice and ensure the advice and services we provide are exemplary.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the NZIF. I look forward to seeing many of you in Nelson and look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on how we can do more for our members.
Thanks
James
KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP
NZIF Survey: Your Voice, Our Future
The NZIF Council is concerned that our current range of activities is stretching our volunteers and our budget. As such, we are conducting a membership survey to ensure our focus aligns with your highest priorities. Your feedback is crucial to our success, and we kindly ask you to take approximately 5 minutes to complete the survey. It is likely we will send out more specific surveys this year on particular areas once we have feedback from this one.
Introduction
The NZIF has a broad mandate, addressing social issues and maintaining professional forestry standards across all types of forests, from commercial production forestry, urban forests, food forests and native forests. Given this wide scope, the potential areas for involvement require significant voluntary resources.
In recent years, the NZIF has increased its political and external engagement. The range of issues we address and our engagement with other parties have expanded significantly, leading to higher associated costs and voluntary time.
The recent government decision to repeal the Forest (Log Traders and Advisors) Amendment Act 2020 presents an opportunity for the Institute to promote our NZIF Registered Forest Professional scheme, with government acknowledgment. This will require significant additional effort.
These developments have raised expectations of what the Institute will deliver. However, it is clear the current NZIF annual budget is not sustainable without either rationalising our agenda or significantly increasing revenue. All activities, whether they involve financial costs or time commitments, compete for resources.
Despite significant voluntary contributions, we are struggling to provide great service in all areas, therefore, it is essential that we concentrate our efforts on the highest priority areas where we can have the most impact.
The Council will present its recommendations for the path forward at the upcoming AGM in September 2024. To ensure this process is fully informed, we need to understand what you value most.
Thank you for your time and input. The Survey is open until 19th July 2024.
TAKE THE SURVEY
The Importance of Professional Forestry Advice & the NZIF Registration Scheme
As you may already know, recent changes by the Government have removed regulations concerning Forest Advisors. However, they are now advising those providing advice consider becoming a NZIF Registered Forest Professional (RFP). Attached is a document outlining the significance of professional forestry advice and providing background on the NZIF Registration Scheme.
For those of you who are currently a Registered Forest Advisors (RFA) under the MPI scheme, I encourage you to consider becoming a NZIF RFP. This designation not only enhances your professionalism but also instills confidence in clients, customers, and the public regarding the forestry profession.
If you are not currently an RFA but your role involves interactions with the public or customers, I strongly urge you to become a NZIF RFP. This step not only showcases your professionalism but also assures your customers you adhere to recognised standards and continue to do so.
I have noticed an increasing number of potential clients and customers seeking assurances about the professionalism of the foresters they engage with, which makes this designation increasingly relevant.
As always feel free to contact me if you want further information or go to Registered Member information.
Thanks
James
NZIF 2024 AWARDS NOMINATIONS
We are excited to announce our annual awards dinner will be held in Nelson on the 5th of September. In preparation, we are calling for suggestions and nominations for the three awards we will be offering this year.
Kirk Horn Award
The Kirk Horn Award recognises outstanding contributions to forestry in New Zealand and is offered every second year. The recipient is selected by a committee comprising the NZIF President, the President of the Royal Society, and the Professor of the School of Forestry, or past winners of the award, at the Council’s discretion. To suggest potential recipients, please email the NZIF President and/or the Convener of the NZIF Fellows Committee, John Schrider
Forester of the Year Award
The Forester of the Year Award is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the forestry sector in the past year. This award is open to any nominated NZIF member and recognises leadership, excellence, and personal integrity. Nominations should include a reason for the nomination and can be sent to the NZIF President and/or the NZIF Office. While not necessary, signatures of support from other members will help the awards committee in their decision-making process.
Prince of Wales Award for Sustainable Forestry
This award recognises the achievements of an outstanding young forestry professional in New Zealand and encourages dedication to sustainable forest management. The recipient must be committed to public outreach and knowledge exchange focusing on the conservation of forests and their
ecosystems. Nominations should include a reason for the nomination and be sent to the NZIF President and/or the NZIF Administrator at NZIF Office by Friday, 26th July 2024 for this award. As this award is signed off by the Prince of Wales, we need at least four weeks to seek his approval.
Please submit your remaining nominations by Sunday, 4th August 2024, except for the Prince of Wales Award, as above, which should be submitted by Friday, 26th July 2024 to allow for the necessary approval process.
Thank you for your participation.
Fellow Nominations
To be made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry is the highest honour that NZIF can bestow on a member. It is recognition of eminence in the profession of forestry by the member’s peers. Accordingly, it is not lightly bestowed and the number of Fellows at any one time is likely to be relatively small.
Nominations are submitted to the NZIF Council. The Council will refer the nominations to the Fellows’ Committee for consideration and to make recommendations to the Council on those nominations that meet the requirements for election.
The Council will determine which, if any, nominations will be placed before NZIF members in a ballot. Recognition as a Fellow requires an 80% positive vote in favour of the candidate from the Honorary, Retired (but not Retired Associate), Registered and Ordinary Members who participate in the ballot.
Announced at the NZIF AGM.
Nominations should be submitted in the form. Supporting information may be attached to the email when completed. Nominations should be emailed to the NZIF Administrator.
Nomination Form
Nominations must be received by 5:00 pm Sunday 28th July 2024
IMPORTANT:
- Nominees and referees must not advise the candidate they are being nominated. Nominees are expected to have sufficient information about the candidate to make the nomination.
- The “Basis for Nomination” section of this form is particularly important. Nominators must fully describe why the candidate meets the requirement of “has achieved eminence in the profession”. Should the candidate be placed in the ballot, this statement will be provided to voters. The statement needs to be concise but should not assume that the candidate is known to those entitled to vote.
- Please ensure that you have a statement from each of the two referees that shows their relationship to the candidate and their assessment of the candidate’s allegiance to the NZIF Code of Ethics.
- If the Council determines that the candidate will be placed in the ballot, it will seek the consent of the candidate and any further information that may be required.
WEBINAR & CPD UPDATE
Next Webinar: New Forest Valuation Standards
For over 30 years the NZ Institute of Forestry Forest Valuation Working Party has overseen the development and maintenance of guidelines for the valuation of commercial forests in New Zealand. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide a consistent methodology for the valuation of forests. This provides greater confidence to investors and those buying and selling forests that there is a standard for valuing forests and that those providing forest valuation services will follow a consistent approach.
The Valuation Working Party has recently updated the standards developed almost two decades ago and at the same time they have developed a standard for valuing carbon in forests.
The webinar will provide an overview of the updated standards and the new carbon standard and will be of value to all those professional involved in the valuation of commercial forests and investment analysis of forestry investments. Results from the 2023 NZIF discount rate survey will also be presented.
The webinar will be presented by Professor Bruce Manley, the Convenor of the Valuation Working Party. Bruce has been the convenor of the working party since it was established by the Institute in1993. Bruce is a recognised authority on forest valuation and also undertakes a regular survey of discount rates being used across the industry for forest valuation and investment decisions. Bruce is Head of the School of Forestry at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, a role he has been in since 2006. Prior to his appointment at the School Bruce was at the NZ Forest Research Institute in Rotorua.
Presenter: Professor Bruce Manley
Time: 7:30pm NZST
Date: Tuesday, 23rd July 2024
REGISTER
EVENTS PAGE
Ticket Sales close: 3:00pm on 23rd July 2024
Everyone who completes registration:
- receives a link and joining instructions
- receives a recording of the webinar, so if you can’t listen live you can listen later.
Shape the Future of Professional Development Webinars!
Our CPD webinar series is gaining popularity among our members. To ensure the continued success and growth of this initiative, we are inviting expressions of interest from individual members to join the CPD Committee.
By becoming a part of the CPD Committee, you will play a role in determining the future of professional development topics. Your input will include participating in meetings (these can be via Zoom), contributing to discussions on topics, and assisting in coordinating speakers and hosting webinars.
This is an excellent opportunity to draw on your expertise, use your network, and contribute to the professional growth for all our members. If you are enthusiastic about making a difference and prepared to commit your time and knowledge, we invite you to express your interest by emailing the NZIF Office.
Webinar | Forestry’s changing landscape: Economic drivers and considerations for our future
Forestry Australia would love to invite NZIF members to attend our upcoming webinar.
Date: Wednesday 24 July
Time: 12.30 to 1.30pm (AEST)
Cost: $10 AUD for NZIF members
For NZIF Members to register, please click HERE
Join us for an insightful webinar featuring Tim Woods (Managing Director, IndustryEdge) and Rob de Fegely (Past President, Forestry Australia) who will delve into the critical economic factors and changing landscape that is shaping forestry in Australia. Tim Woods will explore the economic drivers and trends influencing forestry businesses and discuss cyclical changes and long-term trends. Tim will also provide valuable pointers for the next few years and highlight key economic data points to watch, offering insights to assist with understanding the economic landscape. Rob de Fegely will provide his insights into the structural changes occurring within the forest sector, reflect on forestry’s future and discuss the considerations and opportunities these changes present for the future of forestry in Australia. Attendees will better understand our shifting operating environment and receive insights that may assist as we navigate, identify opportunities and innovate through this changing landscape.
Please note:
You can listen live or listen later - everyone who registers will receive a copy of the webinar recording and slides
The link with joining instructions will be sent to all registered delegates 24 hours before the webinar commences.
For more information on the event, please visit their website HERE.
2024 NZIF CONFERENCE NELSON - Have you registered yet?
SOWING TOMORROW'S FORESTS - 4 - 6 SEPTEMBER 2024
We hope that the NZIF membership is enjoying our daily highlights for the upcoming conference and you are looking forward to attending. Thank you for registering early, this assists in our planning and ensures a successful event for all.
We have a good line up of speakers and some of these will be highlighted in emails in the coming weeks so you have an idea what to expect. You may even see posts on our LinkedIn page, don't forget to share it with whoever you know, non members are more than welcome.
Read all about it via the links below:
2024 Nelson Conference Programme
2024 Nelson Conference Field Trips
2024 Nelson Conference Sponsorships
2024 Nelson Conference Speaker Profile
2024 Nelson Conference Information Page
Accommodation: Go to the Conference Information page to find out about the special deal at the Rutherford Hotel.
We look forward to seeing you in September 2024.
NZIF Nelson Committee
2024 CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP
Events can not happen without the support of the industry. We would like to acknowledge our Sponsors who have come forward to acknowledge the NZIF Conference and its importance.
Time is nearly running out. If you would like to join those listed below and become a sponsor please email the President or the NZIF Office
REGISTRATION BOARD UPDATE
From the Registrar 17 July 2024
APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTERED MEMBER
- Dr Christian Roschak
RECENTLY ACCEPTED REGISTERED MEMBERS
- Pierre Belle
- Ross McFarlane
- Paul Marshall
RECENTLY ACCEPTED PERIODIC REVIEWS
None
NOTICE OF 5 YEAR REGISTRATION REVIEW
The following Registered Members are required to submit their application for a periodic review of registration which must be accepted by the Board no later than 31 May 2025:
- Malte Coulmann
- Craig Fisher
- Alan Bell
- Andy Dick
- Bruce Manley
- Paul McCreedy
- Shane Perrett
- David Janett
- Carolyn Jackson
- Geoff Thorp
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.
Peter Gorman, Registrar
NZIF Registration Board
registrar@nzif.org.nz
+64 21 166 5938
