Conference set to increase Maori potential in Forestry

MEDIA STATEMENT

Forestry Industry Engineering Association

Monday 30 January

Conference set to increase Maori potential in Forestry

The Futures Forestry Finance Conference has been touted as the most important event of the year for Maori in forestry.

“The opportunity for Maori trustees to learn from international forestry market experts and to get alongside senior managers from other forest producers and financiers only comes around once every two years, ” says FIEA Director John Stulen.

The Forestry Industry Engineering Association has specifically focused on accommodating for Maori Authorities and businesses to connect with key industry leaders at their upcoming conference in March from the 7th to 8th at the Crowne Plaza in Auckland.

“We've had excellent feedback from trustees attending previous conferences in this series. So we've responded by adding more sessions of direct relevance to increasing Maori participation in forest management and the business outcomes as a result. Aside from hearing the speeches, trustees can gain a lot from the networking with these senior managers in the business.”

Jacob Kajavala, Ngati Ruapani / Tuhoe / Ngati Kahungunu, one of the keynote speakers, says the conference couldn’t have come at a better time given the imminent possibilities for Maori to capitalize on the industry’s growth. Jacob says their participation is key to NZ’s forestry future.

“The values we hold as Maori make us ideal partners to the NZ forest industry. The long term view of our people and our land is perfectly aligned with the long term nature of forest investment.”

The current climate supports the need for Maori forestry networks to connect with key players. Statistics show that whilst Maori own an increasing portion of forestry lands, there is a real need to address the lack of interest in forestry production and management.

“The gap that is yet to be effectively addressed is one of clear, cohesive & courageous direction. We have all the skills from frontline operations through to strategic, financial and business leadership. Our challenge is to create a crisp, nimble and focused body that will direct and unify our strategies.”

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