Forestry Told it is Not Important

EMBARGOED - FOR RELEASE 4.00PM 07 OCTOBER 2014

Forestry Told it is Not Important

The Government announced its cabinet yesterday, and in the process told the Forestry Sector it is not important. The forest sector has called for a senior cabinet post for some time. Forestry needs an effective cabinet voice if it is to fulfil its ability to grow the economy, increase regional employment and increased diversity, giving a more stable balance of payments and exchange rate.

President of the NZ Institute of Forestry (NZIF), James Treadwell said “During Nationals last term, forestry appeared to be sidelined under an associate minister of MPI. We repeatedly challenged the Government to justify its apparent indifference to ‘climate-friendly’ forestry while at the same time claiming one of its ‘key strategic drivers is a smooth transition to a low carbon economy’. We did not feel the Minister grasped the issues nor cared about the sector.”

The President continued, stating "This industry is committed to growing its position and importance within NZ. However we need strong leadership from Government and a Minister willing to listen and understand how to help us grow”

Forestry is likely, within the next 3 years, to be the second largest export earner in the country. Forestry occupies 2 million hectares of land and provides 18,000 jobs and this is does not count the benefits the conservation forest estate brings to the country. In addition to economic returns for NZ, forestry provides for biodiversity, soil stability, clean streams, recreation and removal of carbon, something conservation groups like Forest & Bird and Fish & Game formally acknowledged as long ago as 1991.

NZIF is committed to seeing the forestry sector grow its position and importance within NZ. “We have been frustrated by the continued and expanded range of subsidies available to farming while at the same time being told economic growth in forestry needs to be market led.” said Mr Treadwell.

It is unclear where Forestry sits within the named cabinet lineup. Logically it should be the responsibility of the Minister of Primary Industries, Nathan Guy. Last term he chose to pass responsibility to Associate Minister, Jo Goodhew, who is ranked at 21.

Mr Treadwell stated “given the choice of more of the same under an Associate Minister of MPI or coming under the responsibility of the Minister of Conservation or Minister of Science and Innovation, NZIF would rather one of the latter two.”

The opportunities forestry can offer New Zealand require proactive management. “NZIF now fear contraction of the sector during this term of Government” said Mr Treadwell. He called the latest cabinet "A head in the sand moment”.

ENDS

NZIF, with a membership of approximately 900, is the organisation for NZ forestry professionals. Its main objective is to be an independent advocate for forestry, and to provide services and support to members, the profession, and the general public. Its members are concerned with the professional management of all forests, plantation and indigenous, protection and commercial. The members can be found in forestry companies, consulting businesses, research institutes, educational facilities, government departments and providers of specialist services. The NZIF also operates a scheme that controls the registration and conduct of forestry consultants who provide forestry advice to the public. There are around 100 registered NZIF members.

© Scoop Media