Forestry sees hope in new Minister
IT’S STILL EARLY DAYS, BUT LEADING FIGURES IN THE NEW Zealand forestry industry are optimistic the new Minister of Forests will be good for the sector.
Those who have met with Shane Jones since he took up his new ministerial role are impressed with his attitude and interest.
“He’s very keen to work with the industry and the good thing is that he doesn’t pretend to have all the answers and is listening to what we have to say,” says David Rhodes, CEO of NZ Forest Owners Association.
One piece of advice Mr Rhodes is hoping the Minister takes on board is to think very carefully about placing any restrictions on the exports of raw logs, as a result of issues regarding log shortages raised by saw mills in Northland.
Mr Rhodes says: “There are some unique circumstances in Northland and there is a willingness among those in the industry to come up with a solution from within, rather than see restrictions placed on exports by the government.”
The key, adds Mr Rhodes, is to get everyone involved in the issue to sit around the table, share information and come up with solutions. He believes that can be done through organisations such as the Northland Wood Council. That same collaborative approach could work in other parts of the country.
As for assisting the Minister to achieve his goal of doubling the number of trees planted in New Zealand over the next ten years, Mr Rhodes says that while forest owners may not be able to provide much new land – this is likely to come from the Crown, Maori and farmers – the NZFOA is still keen to play a facilitation role.
“There’s a wealth of experience among our members and we can certainly provide input into establishing new plantations and what is required to make them succeed,” adds Mr Rhodes.
The Wood Processors & Manufacturers Association has been quick to meet Shane Jones to talk about issues facing all of its members, not just the wood shortages in Northland.
Brian Stanley, Chair of the WPMA, says current markets are not working because New Zealand wood processors and manufacturers face unfair competition from overseas rivals who get government subsidies.
Mr Stanley says that he is heartened by the (new government’s) desire to see the NZ wood industry thrive by remedying these “grossly unfair” trading conditions.
“We look forward to working closely with the new government to urgently bring about these much-needed changes,” he adds.
Meanwhile, NZFOA President, Peter Clark, sees equal significance in the Green Party’s James Shaw taking on the role of the Minister of Climate Change, which he believes will drive more tree planting to offset carbon emissions.
NZL