Latest news with #NES-CF
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Slash And Forestry Management Changes Proposed
Less than two weeks remain for the public to have their say on sweeping proposals to change many aspects of the RMA, including how forestry and slash are managed. Under proposed changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), councils would be more restricted in their ability to set harder controls. Other proposals would require all forest harvests to have 'slash mobilisation risk assessments' as part of their harvest management plans, and/or change requirements around slash removal. Consultation on the proposed NES-CF runs until Sunday, 27 July 2025. The SMC asked experts to comment. Previous expert reactions on proposed RMA changes around housing are available here. Dr Steve Urlich, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management, Lincoln University, comments: 'Stabilising hill country is a national emergency as intense rainfall occurs more frequently. Recent cyclones and atmospheric rivers have led to loss of life, profound economic and infrastructure damage, and ecosystem degradation. 'Extensive erosion can occur on pastoral hill farms and clearcut forests. Cyclone Gabrielle highlighted public concern on the damage and dangers of forest slash. 'The Government tightened the national rules around slash removal in 2023, but is proposing to relax these due to cost and compliance issues. 'However, the proposals will not effectively reduce the risk to downstream communities and environments from slash and sediment. 'Extensive harvesting on gully heads often results in large volumes of slash and broken trees being left to the elements. This is because of self-assessed health and safety risks. 'The Government needs to amend the national rules to: Limit the size of clearcuts to <20% of catchment size. Retire gully heads, overly steep faces, and deep incised gullies. Prevent new plantings in these extremely high-risk areas. Require forest roads and skids to be engineered to withstand 1-in-100 year rainfall events 'The last point will be expensive, but the human, financial and ecological costs are currently intolerable.' No conflicts of interest. Dr Nathanael Melia, Senior research fellow, New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington; and Founding Director of Climate Prescience, comments: 'It is a positive move that the proposed amendments to the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry) Regulations (NES-CF) is open to consultation and seems to finally offer movement in the right direction. I have been aware of slash mobalisation following extreme rainfall since the 2018 Tolaga Bay Queen's Birthday Storm. It's 2025, and we are still discussing possible legislation to address these issues. 'The too-long, didn't read version is: MfE are suggesting that they may like to consider asking forest harvest operations if they wouldn't mind taking a second look in some cases before clearing the slope, please. 'It's good to see the action required being based on a site's Erosion Susceptibility Classification rather than a set of blanket rules that would restrict the industry's good actors. However, there is nuance here, some types of erosion that harvest can exacerbate are classed as 'low risk-no further action'. Others deemed more serious suggest 'further assessment required', but with seemingly no mandate for these assessments to be independent and free from conflicts of interest, I fail to see how this is helpful. 'Other recommendations suggest that harvest planners 'should' use past rainfall observations to assess slash management needs. This reflects that these recommendations are to be self refereed, based on estimates from recorded events rather than this new extreme climate we are in, and require zero material action. Other predictive measures of slash mobilisation are mentioned and put in the too hard basket. Worse, slope features physically present and observable that are consistent with active erosion that 'channel landslide to waterway' are considered not measurable, not a predictor of risk, and only of some consequence. 'The bibliography suggests that all the relevant material is known, but only the non-confrontational evidence is used in this draft. The good news is that this is open to consultation; however, there is a risk that these weak suggestions will be seen as red tape by some operators, who will want to lobby for a less restrictive environment. Meanwhile, there are very few independent experts to argue for higher standards required to keep slash away from the public and our sensitive environment.' No conflicts of interest. Mark Bloomberg, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Te Kura Ngahere New Zealand School of Forestry, University of Canterbury, comments: 'Firstly, I do not wish to comment in any way on the current situation in the Tasman region. The immediate focus there is protecting life and property, urgently mitigating dangerous situations and repairing flood damage. Commentary at this stage would be inappropriate. Part 2.2 of the Primary Sector discussion document. 'In the discussion document, the NES-CF regulations introduced in 2023 (regulations 69(5)–(7)) to manage slash on the forestry harvest cutover are considered 'costly to implement and not fit for purpose'. Proposed redress is to amend regulation 69 to require a slash mobilisation risk assessment (SMRA) for forest harvests as part of the existing harvest management plan, and/or amend regulation 69(5) to require all slash above an identified size to be removed from the forest cutover. 'These changes will not help. The problem is not 'slash' per se. The problem is the significant adverse effects of illegal discharges (slash, sediment, logging waste) from clear-felled forest lands. The proposals do not address the root causes of these illegal and catastrophic discharges from clear-felling sites on erosion-susceptible land. These root causes and their effects can be most directly avoided or mitigated by: Setting the activity status of clear-fell harvesting and matters for control or discretion in a way that allows regulators to properly regulate the risk from discharges, with no requirement for extra stringency in regional plans, i.e. the NES-CF should provide adequate stringency. Limiting the size and location of clear-felling coupes on erosion-susceptible land Developing a robust nationally-based standard for identifying and mapping landslide-susceptible areas, as well as landslide hazards and discharge flow paths downslope and downstream of clear-felling areas. There would need to be a major commitment by the government and the forestry industry to train, certify, and support a cadre of professionals capable of making these assessments.' Conflict of interest statement: 'Mark Bloomberg receives research and consultancy funding from the government's Envirolink fund and from local authorities and forestry companies. He is a member of the NZ Institute of Forestry and the NZ Society of Soil Science. He co-authored a recent article in The Conversation with Dr Steve Urlich of Lincoln University, which covers a lot of the same ground as the comments above.'
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Forest Owners Support Restoration Of National Consistency To Forest Regulation
Press Release – NZ Forest Owners Association New Zealand Forest Owners Associationchief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers. 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.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
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.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Government Backs Commercial Forestry With Practical Rule Changes
Press Release – New Zealand Government Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sectors right to operate. Minister of Forestry The Government is taking firm action to ensure commercial forestry – one of New Zealand's most productive and sustainable export sectors – is not stifled by red tape and inconsistent council rules Minister of Forestry Todd McClay announced today. Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sector's right to operate. 'Our fibre sector – from forestry to wood processors – plays a crucial role in New Zealand's economy, particularly in regional communities,' Mr McClay says. 'These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver's seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.' The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector. Key proposed changes include: Clarifying regulation 6(1)(a) to tighten the conditions under which a council can impose rules that are more stringent than national direction. Repealing regulation 6(4A), which currently gives councils broad discretion to override the NES-CF for afforestation without justification. Strengthening slash management by requiring a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment as part of all harvest management plans, and considering refining requirements to remove all slash above a certain size from forest cutovers. Tidying up the NES-CF with minor amendments to remove duplication and improve clarity for foresters and councils alike. 'We are hearing loud and clear from the forestry sector – and from regional New Zealand – that the current rules aren't working,' Mr McClay says. 'Too many councils are starting to use vague discretion to block or delay forestry operations that meet national environmental standards. That's not what the system was designed for, so we're fixing it.' The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash. 'This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,' Mr McClay says. 'Whether you're planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn't be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment's website and will run until 27 July 2025. Note: The National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) set consistent baseline environmental rules for plantation forestry across New Zealand. The Government is proposing targeted amendments to restore national consistency, support forestry productivity, and improve slash management.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Government Backs Commercial Forestry With Practical Rule Changes
Minister of Forestry The Government is taking firm action to ensure commercial forestry – one of New Zealand's most productive and sustainable export sectors – is not stifled by red tape and inconsistent council rules Minister of Forestry Todd McClay announced today. Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sector's right to operate. 'Our fibre sector – from forestry to wood processors – plays a crucial role in New Zealand's economy, particularly in regional communities,' Mr McClay says. 'These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver's seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.' The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector. Key proposed changes include: Clarifying regulation 6(1)(a) to tighten the conditions under which a council can impose rules that are more stringent than national direction. Repealing regulation 6(4A), which currently gives councils broad discretion to override the NES-CF for afforestation without justification. Strengthening slash management by requiring a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment as part of all harvest management plans, and considering refining requirements to remove all slash above a certain size from forest cutovers. Tidying up the NES-CF with minor amendments to remove duplication and improve clarity for foresters and councils alike. 'We are hearing loud and clear from the forestry sector – and from regional New Zealand – that the current rules aren't working,' Mr McClay says. 'Too many councils are starting to use vague discretion to block or delay forestry operations that meet national environmental standards. That's not what the system was designed for, so we're fixing it.' The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash. 'This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,' Mr McClay says. 'Whether you're planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn't be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.' Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment's website and will run until 27 July 2025. Note: The National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) set consistent baseline environmental rules for plantation forestry across New Zealand. The Government is proposing targeted amendments to restore national consistency, support forestry productivity, and improve slash management.
