New Wood Organisation Up and Running in September

1 July 2005

New Wood Organisation Up and Running in September

A new 'association of associations' to represent the forest and wood processing industry on key common issues should be up and running, as planned, in September 2005.

The new organisation has provisionally been named 'Woodco', and foundation work was progressing well, said Rick Christie, independent chair of the industry-based steering committee leading the establishment process.

Mr Christie said a steering committee was formed following a series of industry meetings in late 2004. An establishment board was then appointed and this has now held two meetings and confirmed terms of reference for the new organisation.

Foundation documents were then circulated to prospective member associations for their comment and consideration.

The Woodco establishment board includes representatives from the Forest Industries Council; Forest Owners Association; Pine Manufacturers Association; Farm Forestry Association and Forest Industry Contractors Association.

"I am delighted with the way the industry has responded and shown its commitment to the new organisation," Mr Christie said.

"A real spirit of co-operation has been evident and this has enabled arrangements to be put in place quickly."

He said one of the aims of Woodco was to achieve wide industry membership.

"It is pleasing to note that to date most industry organisations have indicated that they would ultimately like to become part of Woodco.

"Any segments of the industry not fully covered by an existing association will not be left out. In this situation, new organisations will be set up to ensure full input can be achieved"

Mr Christie said Forestry Minister Hon Jim Anderton had been fully briefed throughout the process and supported the establishment of Woodco and its role in representing the sector on pan industry issues - many of which require interaction with Government.

Woodco will sit alongside and complement the Forestry Industry Development Agenda (FIDA) - a government convened initiative designed to assist the industry implement a range of proposals announced earlier this year.

ENDS

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