In addition to log export and domestic prices being in the doldrums our industry remains very busy dealing with continuing changes to environmental and carbon legislation and public perception relating to these.

Recently I attended the annual NZ Institute of Forestry conference in Napier where 280 foresters listened to a wide range of presentations on the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle on East coast forests and the windthrow event in the Lake Taupo area and how the recovery was managed to strengthen the forests,infrastructure and affected communities.

As the conference progressed the significant rainfall event unfolded in the Nelson/ Marlborough region with wide spread flooding particularly in the Motueka valley area. There is no silver bullet to preventing such events happening, what we can do as foresters is get alongside our neighbours and communities to ensure appropriate assistance and good communication is provided where required.

One of the learnings from cyclone Gabrielle was that effective communication with stakeholders must start long before any storm damaging event. Promoting the environmental benefits of both native and plantation forests and best practice forest management is something we can all do to improve stakeholder and the public’s knowledge of our industry.

Best Regards,

Steve
Chair, TOTSWC