PRESIDENT'S REPORT

As we watch another cyclone heading towards Aotearoa, the importance of this year’s Emerging Stronger conference in June becomes even more apparent. Our sector continues to be at the forefront of climate impacts, and the discussions we’ll have at the conference around resilience, land use, risk, and the future of forestry are more pertinent than ever. I strongly encourage all members to register and be part of these timely conversations. You can do so at: NZIF EVENTS

This year’s conference will also host our Annual General Meeting, which will include a vote on a new NZIF Constitution and an important discussion on the future management of NZIF. We are at a turning point where we must reassess how the Institute is resourced and structured. Ahead of the AGM, you’ll receive a background paper detailing the significant voluntary time currently sustaining NZIF, and what changes might be needed; whether that’s scaling back our activities or securing additional support.

If you or your employer believe in the value of strong, professional forestry leadership, please consider sponsoring the conference. Sponsorship plays a vital role in keeping registration fees down and making the event accessible to a wide range of members. It also signals your organisation supports professional growth and sector leadership.

I’d also like to take a moment to congratulate the new Fellows Committee, John Schrider, Peter Hill, and Murray Parrish. Thank you for stepping into this important role, and I look forward to working with you to continue recognising excellence within our profession.

A reminder membership fee invoices have been sent out this month. Prompt payment is appreciated; it helps keep the Institute functioning smoothly. If you haven’t received your invoice, please get in touch with Veronica at nzifoffice@nzif.org.nz and she’ll get it sorted.

Thank you for your continued commitment to NZIF and the broader forestry profession. I look forward to seeing many of you at the conference in June – it’s shaping up to be one of our most important gatherings yet.

Thanks
James

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

2025 AWARDS

Forester of the year and Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup

Nominations are now open for these awards which will be presented at the NZIF June Conference.

Forester of the Year

The Forester of the Year Award is awarded to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the forestry sector in the last year.

The award is open to any nominated NZIF member (who must have achieved at least Ordinary status). The award recognises leadership, excellence and personal integrity, particularly where this demonstrates the character and strength of the forestry profession. The recipient receives a certificate and the Forester of the Year carving, which they hold for one year.

Forester of the Year Information                       

Forester of the Year Nomination Form

Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup

The purpose of the award is to recognise the achievements of two outstanding young forest professionals in Australia and New Zealand. This award is to encourage engagement in and dedication to, the principles of sustainable forest management including policy, planning and practice, sound science based land stewardship. Awardees must be committed to public outreach and knowledge exchange focusing on the wise use and conservation of forests and the ecosystems that they encompass.

Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup Information       

Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup Nomination Form

Calling all budding photographers!

NZIF is looking to enhance our photo library for use in publications and our upcoming Annual Report. If you have any high-resolution images that you think would be a great fit, we’d love to include them, with full credit to you, of course. We're especially keen on forestry-related photos, including scenic landscapes, forest plantations, native flora and fauna, and any images that reflect the beauty and diversity of our forests. If you’re happy to share your work, please get in touch with Veronica Bennett by email, or she can discuss another method of transfer that works. We look forward to seeing your creativity!

NZ JOURNAL OF FORESTRY

Advertising in the New Zealand Journal of Forestry

The NZ Institute of Forestry invites companies, individuals and organisations who provide professional services to the forestry sector to advertise in the next and subsequent issues of the New Zealand Journal of Forestry (the Journal).

This Journal is a flagship professional publication for the forest industry in New Zealand.  It is a quarterly journal publishing technical articles and peer-reviewed research relevant to forestry in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The NZIF has opened the Journal to advertising to help fund the cost of the Journal and to encourage sponsorship from forestry companies and service organisations. Advertising provides an opportunity for these organisations to use the Journal as a vehicle to promote  their brand or service product and their support for professionalism in forestry. We encourage advertising from the following:

• forestry companies who wish to advertise their professional brand
• companies providing professional services such as forestry consulting or forest management
• law and accounting firms
• public relations organisations.
• forestry investment advisors
• carbon forestry managers/advisors
• resource consent advisors
• individuals or companies who provide other professional services
• organisers of forestry conferences or seminars

Advertising must be of a standard and appearance which is consistent with the style of the Journal and professional standard of the Institute.  Examples of two recent adverts can be view here: Advertising Example  

The cost of advertising per ad is:

• Full page ad:   $1800
• Half page ad:  $1000
• Quarter page ad:  $600

A 15% discount is offered for advertising in multiple issues of the Journal.

If you are interested in taking up this offer or have any questions about the advertising please contact the NZIF office: Journal of Forestry Advertising

Rob Miller
Journal Coordinator

WEBINAR UPDATE 2025

Previous Webinars Held

Principles of Good Governance - A Practitioners Perspective

Held:  Tuesday, 25th March 2025

This valuable webinar offered practical guidance for those involved in industry committees, company boards, or community organisations. Many professionals move from technical or management roles into governance positions with limited preparation. The session explored the key responsibilities, common pitfalls, and increased obligations under changes such as the Incorporated Societies Act.

Presenter Phil Taylor shared his journey from forestry management to board leadership, providing a practitioner's perspective on effective governance, risk awareness, and steps to navigate this transition successfully. A must-watch for anyone wanting to start taking on broader governance roles across industry or community settings or want to extend skills.

If you missed this event and would like to view the webinar please go to the following:
Principles of Good Governance

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from a lawyer’s perspective

Held:  Tuesday, 15th April 2025

Last night’s webinar provided a valuable legal overview of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a complex and ever-changing system that can be confusing for those not regularly involved.

Presented by Campbell Stewart, the session explored key aspects of ETS participation, land tenure options, and the implications of Climate Change Response Act (CCRA) notices. He also highlighted common administrative pitfalls in registration and filing, and discussed key interpretation issues within the CCRA and forestry regulations—illustrated with cautionary real-world examples.

A highly informative session for anyone involved in ETS or forestry compliance.

If you missed this event and would like to view the webinar then this will be available in the NZIF Shop after the 17th April 2025.

Next Webinar

EU Deforestation Regulations and Implications for NZ
Presented by Mark Ross, CEO WPMA

EUDR – what is all about and why it is important to the New Zealand forestry sector

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a new law aimed at ensuring that products exported to the EU have not contributed to deforestation or forest degradation. It covers specific commodities like beef, leather, and wood products. Operators and traders must complete due diligence before placing these products on the EU market. The EUDR has raised challenges and opportunities for our wood products and forestry industry. By WPMA and NZFOA working together with government, we have shared information and are now progressing standardised guidelines and tools to streamline data collection, with geolocation and forest declarations as our primary focus. With the need to provide accurate data on the exact location of where trees have been harvested, Forestry companies are a key component of ensuring that New Zealand wood product exporters to the European Union can meet the EUDR requirements. Without a complete Due Diligence System exported wood products will be rejected by the EU, adversely affecting the wider forestry sector in lost income and markets. The EUDR will apply from the 30 December 2025. 

BIO:

Mark commenced as Chief Executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association in July 2023. He has a strong passion for New Zealand’s primary sector and natural environment, having worked within the wider agricultural, horticultural, and forestry industries throughout his career. Mark’s experience ranges from managing eradication programmes against exotic forest pests and diseases, to developing new policy, and holding leadership positions at Animal and Plant Health NZ, Federated Farmers of NZ, and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Date: Wednesday, 30th April 2025

Time: 7:30pm (NZST)

Ticket Costs: $NZD Payments via Credit Card

$20.00 NZIF Members

$20.00 Australian Forestry Members (please quote membership number in 'note to administrator')

$40.00 Non-Members

Free: NZIF Student members only

Ticket Sales close: 3:00pm on the day

REGISTER HERE

Please note:

You can listen live or listen later – everyone who registers will receive a copy of the webinar recording.

LOCAL SECTIONS UPDATE

NZIF Local Section Coordinator

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Peter Houston for his dedicated work as Coordinator for the Local Sections. Peter has recently stepped down from the role, and we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate his commitment and efforts in supporting Local Section events and helping to create valuable opportunities for members to connect and network.

Veronica Bennett will now be the Local Sections Coordinator. If you have any suggestions for upcoming events or activities in your area, please feel free to reach out to Veronica or your local section organiser—we’d love to hear your ideas!

Local Section: Auckland

Export Update - Presented by Chris Rayes

The Auckland section of NZIF will be hosting Chris Rayes (Marketing Director, Matariki Forests) to give an update on all things regarding export log markets, covering the impact of US tariffs, the potential of India, the log futures market in China, and more.

Date: 1 May 2025.

Time: 4.30pm – 7:00pm.

Location: Arotahi Agribusiness (Level 17 Commercial Bay, 15 Customs Street West, Auckland Central).

Note:  This is a local section event.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

Registrations Close: Tuesday, 28th April 2025

2025 NZIF CONFERENCE

Napier War Memorial Centre / 26-28 June 2025

Strengthening Forests, Infrastructure and Community Post-Cyclone

In the wake of devastating cyclones, our forests face unprecedented challenges. To address these critical issues, we are organising the “Emerging Stronger” conference, a pivotal event which brings together leading experts, researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and community leaders.

Programme:

• CPD Workshop 4 options available
• AGM and Networking Drinks
• Conference 2 days
• Future Forest Quiz night
• Gin Distillery visit
• Awards Dinner
• Field Trips 2 options available

Conference 2025 Registration is now open.

Any questions on the Conference or the new Conference website, please mail:  Events

Conference Sponsors

As with all conferences, sponsorship plays a vital role in making them possible. We’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those who are supporting the 2025 NZIF Conference through their sponsorship.  If you would like to become a sponsor then please contact us.

FOUNDATION UPDATE AND AWARDS

NZIF Foundation Scholarships and Awards 2025 have now closed.

The Foundation has had a good response to the 2025 Scholarships and Awards and they are now in the process of being reviewed by the Trustees.  The winner will be announced at the upcoming AGM in June.

To view information on the categories, select the links below:

• Chavasse Travel Award
• Frank Hutchinson Postgraduate Scholarship
• Mary Sutherland Scholarship
• Otago Southland Award
• University Undergraduate Scholarship

2025 Conference Poster Session

Once again the 2025 Conference Poster Session is open, notifications to advise of an entry are to be emailed to the Foundationby 13^th June 2025.  

For more information please visit:  Student Poster Competition

FUTURE FORESTERS - FRESTRA AWARD

FELLOWS UPDATE

Fellows Committee Appointments

The Council are pleased to announce the outcome of the recent vote for the NZIF Fellows Committee.

The Fellows Committee for the upcoming two-year term will comprise:

• John Schrider
• Peter Hill
• Murray Parrish

We welcome them as the newly appointed members and are pleased to have John Schrider returning for another term.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Tim Thorpe and Russell Dale for their past service and valuable contribution to the committee.

Thank you to all who participated in the nomination and voting process.

NZIF Fellow Nominations now open!

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.

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.

Nominations should be submitted on the form.  Supporting information may be attached to the email when completed.  Nominations should be emailed to the NZIF Returning Officer

Please select this link for the Nomination Form and to read relevant information: Fellows Information

Nominations must be received by 5:00pm, Thursday, 24^th April 2025.

IMPORTANT:

1. 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. 
2. The “Basis for Nomination” section of the 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Kind regards
NZIF Secretary

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership Subscriptions Renewals 

Membership renewals have gone out for 2025_2026 financial year on the 1st April 2025 and we look forward to receiving your renewals.

We've got some great CPD, local events and the conference in June coming up this year, and we'd hate for you to miss out! It's super important to keep your NZIF profile updated so you don't miss these updates or events. We're all about supporting our members and we love hearing from you too! Looking forward to having you with us for another great year!

Note:  Those working for some larger forestry companies have their membership paid for, the invoice will go directly to the employer, however, if you receive one that needs to be readdressed please contact NZIF Office.

Ex Students:  If you are now working full time for an organisation and want to remain a member then you need to complete the upgrade form to become a Graduate Member.  If you do not want to upgrade your membership, and we would hate this to happen, you need to submit an email advising us, email NZIF.

Member Bio:  Have you added or need to update your Bio on your membership page?  This is helpful if we need to know more about your skills and abilities along with qualifications and it enhances your profile.  Log in now to the members only area and take a look at your profile.

Registered Forestry Professional:  Become an RFP and be recognised for your expertise in the field and be found on the website under "Find a Registered Forest Professional".  Members can read more by going to the member's only area and selecting Registered Members or email the Registrar for more information.

All Members:  It is very helpful if you could log in and view your profile to ensure it is up to date with current contact details, a secondary email is useful should you leave where you work and forget to let us know.  Staying in touch with you means a lot to us, and we'd really appreciate your help in keeping that connection alive.

Resignations:  We don't want you to go, but if you no longer want to be a member, then as per our NZIF Rules, Termination of Membership and Resignation is required:

49. Any Member shall be entitled to resign from membership of the Institute by giving written notice to the Council in the form prescribed by the Council.

50. A Member who resigns shall be liable for any fees and other amounts owing at time of resignation.

Need to know more, email NZIF we are always happy to help.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• New Zealand deepens agricultural, forestry collaboration with India
• Timber high-rise building advocate Nate Helbach on why wood works well
• What are New Zealand's international climate targets and do we really have to meet them?
• Country Life: Highlands Station - a farm shaped by an eruption
• The House: Climate change adaptation - Parliament asks the small questions
• Greenpeace says Fonterra's palm kernel supply chain tainted by connections to deforestation
• Government opens consultation on free trade agreement with India
• Rural groups call for FENZ review
• Far North firefighters save home surrounded by wildfire
• Law change makes those running outdoor activities responsible for injuries - not land owners
• NZ timber exports immune from Trump tariff hit
• Work safety expert critical of Minister Brooke van Velden's workplace 'myths'
• Pine planting: Ministers 'dreaming' about amount of suitable land, say green groups
• Call for PM to step in over minister’s carbon trading conflict of interest
• Environment watchdog calls for seismic shakeup to Emissions Trading Scheme
• 100,000 hectares of forestry near Gisborne to be native bush
• Watch: Tai Rāwhiti to replant 100,000 hectares of forestry and pasture with bush, but at whose cost?
• Changing up the Emissions Trading Scheme
• Country Life: Eco-sourced plants flying out the gate at a Rūnaka-owned nursery
• Annual emissions fell two percent in 2023, new data reveals
• Forest owners push back on watchdog report
• Growing an urban 'food forest' in South Auckland
• Rare native plant thriving after Tāngarākau Gorge road works discovery
• Great Ride: Iwi, mayors, tourism partners team up to finish Mountains to Sea cycle trail
• Little spotted kiwi to return to Nelson after almost 100 years

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of NZIF. We make no warranties regarding the completeness or accuracy of the content provided. Readers are encouraged to use their own discretion when applying any information contained herein. Links to external sites are provided for convenience purposes only, and their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of the content found on those sites.