FOREST TALK
Forestry Bill raises hackles; For once farmers and foresters agree; FICA takes action; Proposed regulations put projects on hold; New bulk carrier christened; NZ joins global COVID-19 port initiative; Local exports and global forestry industry holding their own; Japanese bank to buy finance lender, UDC; CablePrice expands; Joint venture signals confidence in NZ; Competenz Chairman retires; Boost for apprenticeships and industry training; Northpine Academic Scholarship for forestry student; Another step to meeting climate targets; Why isn’t NZ using more local wood?; Fallen Totara to leave a legacy.
AS WE GO TO PRINT THERE IS SOME ANGER AND UNEASINESS IN the air, with the country’s first new Coronavirus case in nearly a month rearing its head. That unease is being felt in the logging fraternity too, as the Regulation of Log Traders & Forestry Advisers Amendment Bill continues to generate debate and strong opinions across the industry. “Rushed and impractical” has been one of the kinder comments levelled at the Bill.
The ink was barely dry on our Forest Talk pages when news of a small victory came through. It seems all the raised voices are starting to be heard. One of the bigger interventions cited in the Bill was that a new Forestry Authority would have the power to set standards on everything from land preparation to harvest planning, emissions trading and even sales and purchase agreements for domestic or export sales.
As the legislation heads back to Parliament, the Environment Committee is limiting the potential for a new industry regulator to interfere in commercial agreements between growers and log buyers. This allays some of the concerns that the Government could use its powers to set a cap on log prices, for domestic processing. In its report back to Parliament, the Committee recommended an amendment stating that “any such rules must not impose conditions or requirements that are properly a matter for commercial agreement between parties”, making it clear that “price controls would not be able to be imposed by rules.”
Turn to page 4 to see the debate and action leading up to the change and the issues of concern that still remain.
And while COVID-19 continues to take pot shots at the economy, export demand has risen and prices are good for now, with business almost ‘as usual’. That means we get to bring back our Iron Tests! The demand for purpose-built equipment has grown in recent years. We put Kaitoa Logging’s new Hyundai FX3230LL log loader to the test and it passed with flying colours.
Also in this issue, you’ll find an in-depth view of the firewood industry, yet another branch of forestry that is testament to the innovation and determination of this sector. Nothing goes to waste here, as the ever-giving nature of wood continues to provide, even as it burns. Theoretically it may just take a chainsaw, a ute and an axe to create firewood but the big guns we spoke to have taken this industry to the next level.
Of course, without roots, you can’t have trees. Our final feature this month spotlights the mills of the Old King Country and, in particular, sawmilling legend
John (Jock) Weir. His story demonstrates the rewards that come with hard work and dedication.
It has been said the year 2020 resembles a bad movie script, with everything from a volcanic eruption to a race revolution and a pandemic thrown in for good measure. The forestry industry has had its fair share of turmoil, jumping from fires and insects to log stoppages, total shutdown, workplace social distancing, questionable legislation and now, small victories. I can’t even begin to imagine what I might be writing on this page next month. We can only hope life returns to some form of normality as our forests get wetter and colder moving further into winter. Oh for the days when our worst complaint was sore muscles at the end of a long day in the bush.
Until next time, stay safe.