NZIF Newsletter: 20th November 2024
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Dear Members
As we approach the end of another busy year, I’d like to begin by extending my thanks to Vice President Adrian Loo for stepping in over the last month while I took a much-needed break. The Institute continued running smoothly, newsletters went out and life continued. Our future looks bright!
One of the key developments in recent weeks has been our submission on the ETS fees, which is now available for members to review on the NZIF website. I would like to thank the Carbon SIG for their input into the submission. We know there’s more work to do. Through the working group established by the Minister, we remain committed to advocating for reductions in ETS costs. Your insights and feedback will continue to inform our efforts as this work progresses.
Looking ahead, our Council is also assessing areas where we can find efficiencies in how the Institute operates. Some activities may need to be scaled back or ceased altogether as my term as President comes to a close. While such decisions are never easy, they’re essential to ensure the Institute remains sustainable and focused on what matters most to our members. As always, we welcome your ideas and thoughts - your input is vital to shaping our future.
Speaking of the future, I’m excited to announce planning is well underway for the 2025 NZIF Conference in Napier. You can find details on the Emerging Stronger conference page. I encourage all members to save the date and consider sponsoring, or encouraging your employers to do so. Your support helps us deliver outstanding events which bring the forestry community together.
In addition to our core activities, we’ve been working to strengthen our relationship with the Department of Conservation (DoC). Initial meetings have been held to explore areas of common interest, and we’re planning a broader meeting between DoC and all forestry associations. This collaboration offers an exciting opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and work together on shared goals.
Thank you for your ongoing support of NZIF. We will continue to work hard to ensure a strong future for our profession.
Thanks
James
TALK TO US!
"A view shared is a view enriched."
This simple truth reminds us of the power of shared perspectives. By offering your thoughts, experiences, and ideas, you not only enrich the lives of others but also spark meaningful conversations and connections. Our newsletter thrives on your unique insights and stories - they add colour, depth, and inspiration to each edition.
We invite you to share your voice. Whether it’s a thought-provoking reflection, a success story, an idea for improvement, or even a question that’s been on your mind, your contribution matters. Together, we can create a vibrant platform that reflects the richness of our collective experiences.
Write in and let your perspective shine—because a shared view is truly an enriched one!
KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP
Latest NZIF Submission
13th November 2024
Resetting the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Annual Charge for Post-1989 Forestry Participants
To read older submissions view here
Carbon tax “best” for lower emissions, economy
A new study emphasises the value of a carbon tax to effectively decarbonise the economy.
A carbon tax is the most effective way for New Zealand to cut emissions while supporting a stable economy, according to a University of Auckland study.
Forest Growers Research (FGR) - Annual Science Report 2024 - Read here...
Scion and Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research Survey
Scion and Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research are conducting a survey to understand how perceptions of wilding conifers differ across regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, and between professions and stakeholders. We are also interested in understanding how these perceptions compare to how other biosecurity threats are perceived. 'Wilding conifers' is a term used to describe exotic coniferous trees that self-establish beyond their initial plantings.
This survey is open to anyone although you will only be able to complete the survey once. Please complete this survey using this link!
Your participation is entirely voluntary and the survey will be anonymous.
This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete, and please forward the survey link to anyone who you think might be interested in completing it too. This survey will remain open until 20 December 2024. Please email Wilding Pine if you have any questions.
As an appreciation for your participation in the survey, you will have the option to enter a draw to win one of five $100 Prezzy vouchers.
WEBINAR UPDATE
The Story of NZ Tree Breeding
The recent webinars on NZ tree breeding were highly informative and provided valuable insights into the evolution and future of the programme. They offered plenty of background and things to consider moving forward, making them informative for all.
The Story of NZ Tree Breeding Part 1
In the first of two webinars, Mike Carson reviews the first 50 years of NZ tree breeding, starting with Ib Thulin's arrival in 1951. Early efforts focused on collecting genetic material and testing conifer species, confirming radiata pine's superior performance. The radiata pine breeding programme gained global recognition, pioneering population breeding, quantitative genetics, and seed orchards, leading to significant improvements in yield, wood quality, and tree health. Research in propagation, wood properties, and gene technologies further advanced the programme, ensuring sustainability despite institutional changes, thanks to contributions from dedicated researchers and foresters.
The Story of NZ Tree Breeding Part 2
Building on Mike Carson’s webinar, Heidi Dungey will explore the past 20 years of NZ’s tree improvement programme, focusing on advancements in radiata breeding and the application of genetic technologies. These innovations enhance tree improvement accuracy and, alongside new propagation methods, accelerate genetic gains, delivering greater value to forest owners.
If you missed registering for these, you can now purchase them in the NZIF Shop and listen to them when convenient (ensure you are signed in to get the NZIF discount).
Utilising AI to enhance productivity, at every level, for forestry professionals
This practical training will equip you for enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency, with AI, particularly if you are a
- Senior company executive
- Forest manager
- Operations / District Manager
Regardless of your current level of AI literacy or AI platform—be it Co-Pilot, OpenAI's GPT, or Gemini—you’ll gain the essential skills necessary to elevate your effectiveness in every one of your role deliverables.
Bruce Ross has channelled his 27 years of leadership development expertise into a new focus: AI-enhanced workplace leadership. Transforming your organisation and empowering your team, with AI.
Bruce’s AI Transformation Method provides a systematic approach for businesses and individuals to effectively accelerate their AI literacy with guaranteed 200%+ productivity improvements.
Date: Wednesday, 27th November 2024
Time: 2:30pm in the afternoon (NZDT)
(our Australian counterparts expressed an interest to attend this webinar, so the time has been adjusted to accommodate those participants).
Note: Those that registered for the webinar that was postponed will still have access to the new date.
LOCAL SECTION EVENTS
Hawkes Bay Local Section: Esk Valley Forest Field Trip - November 2024
Venue: Esk Valley Forest (Partnership Forest managed by Forest Enterprises Ltd)
Subject: Management of Harvesting and Re-establishment Programmes following Cyclone Gabrielle
Host for the Day: Gavin Wright, Hawkes Bay Manager, Forest Enterprises
This was an opportunity to see first hand the scale of damage experienced following Cyclone Gabrielle, that devastated much of the Hawkes Bay hill country in February 2023. Gavin showed us photographic evidence of the scene immediately following the Cyclone; good rainfall records from nearby showed that the Esk River catchment experienced in excess of 600mm of rainfall within a 6 hour period, at the height of the storm. There was a massive effort required to clear the public road, external of the Forest, with joint contributions for this effort. Within the Forest itself there was severe damage to the existing road network (Forest harvesting had commenced in the second half of 2022) and forest crop collapse with the extraordinary rainfall causing major mid and lower slope soil failure. We viewed from different points within the Forest, with very good management explanation of how the Forest recovery effort has both produced a very high level of salvage within damaged areas, used entirely low impact mechanised harvesting systems and developed a road network well constructed with a high level of environmental standard. Forest re-establishment is taking place on a planned basis and as harvested areas are ready.
Field Day attendees were able to see a very good example of what can be done with the many challenges faced, there are a lot of learnings from the observations of the day and Forest Enterprises have done an outstanding job of doing the best for their forest owners and protection of the land.
** Please note: These events are for Members Only **
CNI: Red Stage CLT Mill Visit
Book Now: Five Spaces left - Members only.
A tour of the CLT mill – it won’t be running, but will be quiet, which will allow for the opportunity to talk through the products, opportunities, process, etc.
Date: Thursday, 28th November 2024
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Red Stag Mill
Meeting: Red Stag Mill investments office (map below)(black and grey building in front of Red Stag Timber reception) - signage out so you will know where to turn.
To view all the events on the NZIF website - Link
FIRE UPDATE
With just over SEVEN MONTHS to go …
…and on behalf of the Management of Fire in the Forest and Rural Landscape Fire Conference Steering Committee, I’d like to announce that this Tangata Matatau-hosted Conference is taking place in Christchurch from 9th to 11th July 2025 - We’d of course would be delighted to welcome you and/or your colleagues to register an interest in attending this Conference.
Since 2017, the annual Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand (FRFANZ) Conferences have been discontinued, removing the opportunity for our forest and land management managers, support staff, fire managers and contractors to attend an annual forum to network and learn new information.
Tāngata Matatau was created following the merging of the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) and the rural fire volunteer segment of the FRFANZ in 2018. With the remaining FRANZ membership without a home, Tangata Matatau was established in 2020 to provide a Peak Body for the remaining FRANZ membership and other stakeholders who own or manage the risks associated with unwanted fires that threaten the forest and rural landscape. Tangata Matatau is also a Peek Body for those professional bodies that also support this sector.
This July 2025 Conference will provide an independent platform showcasing new and emerging information and challenges at a political level, sharing International and New Zealand Forest Fire Case studies, an introduction to the FAO Global Forest Fire Management Hub, forest fire protection challenges, role of contractors, training, Climate, the role of Volunteer firefighters, aviation management, fire services funding, key performance measure, stakeholder engagement, etc,. The conference participants will also be involved in a workshop at the end of the conference to consider and identify the key future Tangata Matatau actions required to ensure our forest and rural landscape is effectively protected from unwanted fires.
As well as learning about the latest thinking, it is your opportunity to catch up and network with your colleagues and industry peers.
DON’T MISS OUT - PLEASE BOOK IN YOUR CALENDAR NOW
We are also seeking registration of interest for funding supporters and exhibitors at this Conference. Further information and registering an interest in becoming a funding supporter and/or exhibitor can be found on the Conference Web site listed below:
Latest conference details can be found at:
Tangata Matatau - Home
Updates - Tangata Matatau
Don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or need assistance to book your place(s).
Thanks & kind regards,
Murray Dudfield, Chair, Conference Committee, Email: Murray Dudfield
REGISTRATION BOARD UPDATE
From the Registrar 20 November 2024
APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER
- Angelo Belmar
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION FOR REGISTERED MEMBER
The following Member is now Registered:
- Christian Roschak
NOTICE OF 5 YEAR REGISTRATION REVIEW
The following Members are due for their 5-Year review of registration and have not yet submitted their application:
- Malte Coulmann
- Craig Fisher
- Bruce Manley
- Paul McCreedy
- David Janett
- Carolyn Jackson
- Geoff Thorp
Applications must be fully completed and submitted by 31 March 2025. I encourage you to submit your review application now as you need to allow time for referees to respond and to clarify any issues that may arise. There is also the Christmas holiday break.
Any member of the NZIF has the right to object to an application. Any objection should be lodged with the Registrar 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
