The proposed national environmental standard for plantation forestry – an update

Authors: Chris Fowler, David Pedley
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2011, Issue N.Z.J.For. 56(4) 2012, pp 29-30, Jan 2012
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: Introduction Approximately 12 months ago, the Government released the Proposed National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry (the NES). 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. In an earlier edition of this journal, we discussed the objectives of the NES, how it will work in practice, and whether it will provide an overall benefit for the forestry sector. This article provides a brief update on what has happened since then, the current status of the NES, and what you can expect next. What has happened so far? The NES has been through a number of stages since it was first released. The general process for development of a NES is illustrated in Figure 1 and summarised below.