6 August 2009

SILNA discussion document released by MAF

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has released a discussion document titled SILNA Forests: Review of the 2002 Policy and the Implementation Package.

MAF Natural Resources Director Mike Jebson says the document provides information on the South Island Landless Natives Act 1906 (SILNA) forests policy and its implementation to date, and seeks SILNA forest owner and key stakeholder views on how the current policy has operated and a future approach.

``MAF sees this input into the review as essential to its success, and is actively encouraging submissions on how the policy can move forward in a manner that is fair and equitable to all parties.’’

John Ruru and Maggie Bayfield have been appointed as independent reviewers.

A series of hui is being held in conjunction with the submission process in August and September 2009, to provide further opportunity for SILNA owners and key stakeholders to consider how the current policy is working and discuss possible future approaches.
The hui programme is as follows:
Invercargill – Monday 31 August
Dunedin – Tuesday 1 September
Christchurch – Wednesday 2 September
Nelson – Thursday 3 September
Wellington – Friday 4 September

Further information on hui times and locations is available by contacting MAF Natural Resources Group Senior Policy Analyst Avinash Shrivastava on free-call 0800 00 83 33.

The full SILNA Forests: Review of the 2002 Policy and the Implementation Package discussion document can be downloaded from http://www.maf.govt.nz/forestry/silnareview

Printed copies can be requested from policy.publications@maf.govt.nz

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