Why NZIF is involved in advocacy

Authors: James Treadwell
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2015, Issue N.Z.J.For. 60(3) 2015, pp 3-5, Nov 2015
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: I have some questions for you. Do you believe our industry promotes itself well to the New Zealand public and the government it elects? Do you think our sector is as vocal as the farmers, the green movement, health professionals or the financial advisers? Do you believe we are doing the best we can to promote the multiple benefits of our sector? If like me you answered ‘no’ to these questions, you probably understand why NZIF is involved in advocacy for the sector and its members. NZIF as independent advocate NZIF rules and objectives state we are here to advance the profession of forestry in New Zealand by means including ‘acting as an independent advocate for forestry’. We probably are the only forestry organisation which can advocate the views of forestry professionals without being perceived as having some sort of ‘hidden’ commercial motive. By ensuring we base our advocacy on facts, which in turn can be backed up by research and science, we can maintain our credibility. NZIF advocacy until a few years ago was restricted to the apolitical aspects of forestry, such as valuation standards and the silvicultural merits of particular species, possibly because of the existence of a Ministry of Forestry and a greater level of understanding within New Zealand’s political community of the broad range of benefits offered by forestry.

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