Latest news with #ElizabethHeeg
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Forest Owners Support Restoration Of National Consistency To Forest Regulation
Press Release – NZ Forest Owners Association New Zealand Forest Owners Associationchief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers. The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) says proposed reforms to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) will go some way in addressing the challenges forest owners face due to variable and unjustified local council rules. Announced today by Forestry Minister Hon Todd McClay, the reform looks to tighten and clarify the conditions under which councils can impose rules more stringent than the NES-CF and review forestry operations requirements for management of harvest debris. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers. 'Forest owners have been subject to a growing patchwork of conflicting council rules that contradict national policy,' Elizabeth says. 'Over time, these local variations have disrupted forestry operations, jeopardised long-term investment and undermined confidence in one of New Zealand's most sustainable and regionally significant industries.' 'The NES-CF was originally designed to ensure national consistency in how forestry is managed. It's hoped that, from our initial reading, these proposed changes will help restore that intent and recognise the vital role forestry plays in New Zealand's economic and environmental future.' Elizabeth says forestry is not looking for a regulatory pass – but a fair, science-based regulatory environment that reflects forestry's important contributions to sustainable fibre production, biodiversity and climate outcomes and regional employment. 'It's critical that the reform strikes a careful balance between enabling operational efficiency and strong environmental safeguards by remaining rooted in scientifically supported change.' Elizabeth says the proposed introduction of a mandatory Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment could be a constructive, practical tool for the industry that will reinforce the work the sector is already undertaking to mitigate climate-induced risk. 'We want to be good neighbours and we want to operate to high standards,' Elizabeth says. 'But we need a framework that's predictable, proportionate and nationally coherent. That's what these changes could offer.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is open until 27 July 2025 through the Ministry for the Environment's website. The NZFOA encourages all those with a stake in the future of forestry in New Zealand — including landowners, wood processors, regional communities and iwi — to engage with the consultation process.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Fieldays 2025: Forestry Hub returns to showcase the value of trees and wood
Nature enthusiasts can exercise their tree identification skills in the What Tree? challenge, while kids can get hands-on by taking home a native seedling to grow themselves. A wide range of people from across the sector will be on hand to answer questions and share insights into forestry and wood processing in New Zealand, including forest growers, wood processors, farm foresters, scientists and not-for-profit groups. The Growing Native Forests Champions Awards will also make an inaugural appearance during this year's event. The awards will celebrate individuals and groups planting native forests, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others in their regenerative forest efforts. Forest Growers Levy Trust chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg said the annual event celebrated the sector. 'As New Zealand's fourth largest primary export earner, forestry and wood processing are important cornerstones of rural communities,' Heeg said. 'This collaborative event shares the story of our forest growers and wood processors, and the generations before them, who work hard every day to support the vitality of the regions.' Heeg said forestry's role in safeguarding New Zealand's future was set to become even more important, particularly with climate change. 'The hub provides a platform for talking about how forest innovations, like wood-based biofuels and added-value wood products, will support a greener way of living.' Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service's director of forestry engagement and advice, Anna Gordon, said the Fieldays Forestry Hub was a key opportunity to engage rural landowners and the wider public in conversations about the benefits of integrating trees into land use. 'Our forests generate important economic income for the regions, support biodiversity and help in mitigating the effects of climate change,' she said. 'At Fieldays, we're excited to show how planting trees – whether native or commercial – can strengthen farms, landscapes and local economies. 'Fieldays is a great place for us to share what's happening and have real conversations about where the sector is heading.' Visit this year's Fieldays Forestry Hub at Site G80, from June 11–14 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.
