NZIF converges on Rotorua

ROTORUA WILL PLAY HOST TO THE annual conference and AGM of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry next month.

The four-day NZIF event take place less than three weeks out from the General Election and the forest policies from five political parties (National, Labour, Greens, NZ First and Gareth Morgan’s The Opportunities Party) will be outlined by their various spokespeople.

Then things get back to normal with a range of topics to be presented and discussed. These include environmental issues, how forestry is perceived by the public, attracting people to the workforce and training them, and looking forward to the future of the industry.

Key speakers will also cover the wider international picture and will include a presentation from Haari Savonen of Finland.

Rotorua’s strategic position in the heart of New Zealand’s major forestry region will provide an opportunity for locals to talk up their various projects and interests.

The conference dinner that caps the first full day of the conference will include the Institute’s annual awards that will see a new Forester of the Year crowned. The NZIF Foundation awards will also be presented, with two post-graduate research scholarships, each to the value of $10,000, being offered in addition to the other awards, scholarships and prizes, which now total $34,500.

The conference takes place at the Novotel in Rotorua from September 3-6 and includes a field trip to various forestry and mill sites on the last day. Further information is available on www.nzif.org.nz/conference.

NZL