Forest Owners Support Restoration Of National Consistency To Forest Regulation

The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) says proposed reforms to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) will go some way in addressing the challenges forest owners face due to variable and unjustified local council rules.

Announced today by Forestry Minister Hon Todd McClay, the reform looks to tighten and clarify the conditions under which councils can impose rules more stringent than the NES-CF and review forestry operations requirements for management of harvest debris.

New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers.

“Forest owners have been subject to a growing patchwork of conflicting council rules that contradict national policy,” Elizabeth says. “Over time, these local variations have disrupted forestry operations, jeopardised long-term investment and undermined confidence in one of New Zealand’s most sustainable and regionally significant industries.”

“The NES-CF was originally designed to ensure national consistency in how forestry is managed. It’s hoped that, from our initial reading, these proposed changes will help restore that intent and recognise the vital role forestry plays in New Zealand’s economic and environmental future.”

Elizabeth says forestry is not looking for a regulatory pass – but a fair, science-based regulatory environment that reflects forestry’s important contributions to sustainable fibre production, biodiversity and climate outcomes and regional employment.

“It’s critical that the reform strikes a careful balance between enabling operational efficiency and strong environmental safeguards by remaining rooted in scientifically supported change.”

Elizabeth says the proposed introduction of a mandatory Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment could be a constructive, practical tool for the industry that will reinforce the work the sector is already undertaking to mitigate climate-induced risk. 

“We want to be good neighbours and we want to operate to high standards,” Elizabeth says. “But we need a framework that’s predictable, proportionate and nationally coherent. That’s what these changes could offer.”

Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is open until 27 July 2025 through the Ministry for the Environment’s website. The NZFOA encourages all those with a stake in the future of forestry in New Zealand — including landowners, wood processors, regional communities and iwi — to engage with the consultation process.

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