Proposed National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry

Authors: Chris Fowler, David Pedley
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2010, Issue N.Z.J.For. 55(3) 2010, pp 12-15, Nov 2010
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: INTRODUCTION The Government has recently released a proposed National Environmental Standard for plantation forestry (the NES). This is a milestone event for the forestry sector that will have a significant impact on how forestry activities are regulated throughout New Zealand. Submission on the NES closed on 18 October 2010, with a large number of submissions being made from a range of interested parties, including local authorities and various participants in the forestry industry. The Minister is currently considering these submissions to determine whether the NES will proceed and what form it will take. In broad terms, the NES is a form of national guidance that is intended to provide a consistent set of rules that govern how plantation forestry activities occur throughout New Zealand. This paper discusses the objective of the NES, how it will work in practice, and whether it will provide an overall benefit for the forestry sector.

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