Farm Forestry New ZealandPresident's Comment
Neil Cullen , New Zealand Tree Grower November 2023.
As with other rural endeavours, forestry is having to deal with increased scrutiny and regulation at both national and regional level. The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry, in force since 2018, has been reviewed and replaced by the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry. The new National Environment Statement in force from 3 November incorporates the previously exempt carbon and permanent forests but also increases notification required before planting that many farm foresters will find onerous.
As well as new planting, replanting harvested blocks will need regional authorities to be notified along with council compliant maps and plans and completion of the wilding risk calculation even if replanting with the same species. Rules around how much slash and wood can be left on cut-over and skid site have also been added and mean it is increasingly likely that a consultant’s advice will be required.
On the horizon are new land and water regional plans. Otago’s draft plan proposes setbacks for forestry from rivers, meaning any watercourse, of 20 metres for slopes under 10 degrees and 50 metres for those greater than 10 degrees. If adopted, these plans would mean many farm forestry woodlots would be 100 per cent non- compliant and would require resource consent to get exemption for planting. This is all very discouraging for those considering new planting. Needless to say, the NZFFA are joining others and pointing out the implications of blanket rules.
For those with Emissions Trading Scheme registered forests, the news is no better, with new annual charges of $30.25 per hectare now in effect along with a host of other charges for related services. A judicial review of these new fees has been enacted in the High Court by several forestry groups who claim the charges are excessive, unreasonable and disproportionate. Members who wish to pledge support for these actions should contact either the New Zealand Institute of Forestry or the Forest Owners Association. Some members may be considering whether it is worth remaining in the scheme if they have not already withdrawn.
I recently attended part of the Wilding Pine Conference in Queenstown. Much of the work of these enthusiastic groups is dealing with legacy planting where the risk of wilding spread was unknown. But we were told of more recent planting of Douglas-fir which is now spreading into surrounding conservation land. Such planting would not now be allowed under rules confirming the need of such controls. Most forest owners are meeting their responsibilities in dealing with spread beyond their boundaries and for some it will mean a decision on whether the cost of containment exceeds potential returns. Balancing those who tend to demonise all
exotic conifers, it was good to see presentations from Peter Oliver representing the Forest Owners Association and our own representative on the Wilding Pine Network, Nick Ledgard.
Our mid-year Councillors meeting on the 9 November was a chance for Branch input and feedback. There were presentations on the Industry Transformation Plan and the regional Wood Council Accord with news on planned workshops on alternative species with support from the Ministry for Primary Industries.
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