MAF Policy News
Issue 10, June 2008
ISSN 1177-701X
New sustainable forestry bulletin to keep readers up to date
In April MAF brought out the first issue of its new sustainable forestry bulletin to keep readers up to date with the sustainability and climate change schemes relating to forestry. It contains news on the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for forestry, the Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI), the Afforestation Grant Scheme (AGS), the East Coast Forestry Project (ECFP) and updates from the Indigenous Forestry Unit (IFU).
For more information
- To read the first two bulletins click here.
- To subscribe email climatechange@maf.govt.nz with “sustainable forestry bulletin subscription” in the subject line.
Afforestation Grant Scheme encouraging more forestry
The Afforestation Grants Scheme (AGS) has been launched as part of the Government’s package of climate change initiatives. The scheme, administered by MAF, is a contestable fund aimed at encouraging more forestry planting. It offers an alternative to the proposed Emission Trading Scheme as a way to encourage greater levels of greenhouse gas absorption by increasing the area of Kyoto-compliant new forest in New Zealand.
There are two funding components under the AGS. Half of the funding will be available to regional councils to help them meet their sustainable land management objectives. The other half will available to the general public via a public tender pool.
The first round of public tenders is now open, with most of the 2008 tenders expected to be for 2009 planting. The closing date for the first tender round of the public pool is 30 June 2008.
For more information
- To download a copy of the AGS Guidelines or tender form click here.
Latest snapshot of New Zealand’s planted forests now available
The 24th edition of the National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD) report is now available on the MAF website. The report describes New Zealand’s planted production forests as at 1 April 2007 based on a survey of forest owners.
As at 1 April 2007 the total forest area was estimated to be 1.79 million hectares with a further 35 600 hectares awaiting restocking following harvest.
The NEFD report contains a detailed breakdown of the age structure of New Zealand’s production forest along with information on forest planting and harvesting. The report is published annually to assist with infrastructure planning, assessment of wood processing opportunities and for central Government policy development.
For more information
- To download a copy or read the NEFD 2007 report click here.
- To receive a printed copy email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
Climate Change Research funding now allocated
Over $5 million of climate change research work monies has been allocated in the first round of research proposals through the Plan of Action for Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change. This includes over $1 million of Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) projects.
Over 80 proposals totalling $12 million were received in response to the request for proposals for the $4 million available of MAF Policy funded research. Of these, 45 proposals were successful.
The successful bids focus on research to help the land-based sectors both reduce their impact on climate change – mitigation research – and build the capability and resilience of the agricultural and forestry sectors to adapt to a changing climate. Other research proposals aimed to develop capability and infrastructure within the agriculture, forestry and horticulture sectors.
A second round of SFF climate change projects worth an additional $2.8 million has recently been announced, bringing the overall total of monies allocated to Sustainable Land Management research to nearly $8 million.
For more information
- To read the full list of successful research proposals click here.
- To read about the Plan of Action for Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change click here.
Primary Sector Partnership Group reconfirms valuable freshwater resources
The Primary Sector Partnership Group, representing many of the land-based primary sector groups, recently released a partnership document that reconfirms their commitment to the sustainable management of the nation's valuable freshwater resources.
The Partnership Group was chaired by Hawke's Bay farmer Hugh Ritchie and consists of Fonterra, Dairy NZ, the Foundation for Arable Research, Horticulture NZ, Meat and Wool NZ, New Zealand Forest Owners Association, NZ Farm Forestry Association, Irrigation New Zealand, Fertiliser Manufacturers Research Association and Federated Farmers. The group was facilitated by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry for the Environment.
This document establishes the basis for which the sectors can engage with regional councils and co-ordinate the efforts of the primary sector and research organisations to improving the management of freshwater in New Zealand. The focus of the document is to achieve real positive change in water use and quality.
The Partnership Group has already talked to some regional councils and more consultation is planned to ensure available financial and people resources are directed to where the greatest gains can be made. The Partnership Group has also started its engagement with environmental and recreational organisations to explain what the group is trying to achieve and seek constructive feedback.
For further information
New Publications
New Central North Island Wood availability forecasts available
The forecasts here indicate that the availability of radiata pine from the Central North Island forest estate will steadily increase over the next 12 years. After 2016 increases in wood availability will come from the region’s small-scale forest growers and are expected to result in increased log supply with the potential for significant volume increases to around 12.7 million cubic metres per year after 2020.
- To read this forecast click here.
Otago/Southland Forest Industry and Wood Availability Forecasts full report now available
- To read or download Otago/Southland Wood Availability Forecasts for the Period 2007-2040 click here.
- To receive a printed copy email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
Other forecasts for Canterbury, Nelson/Marlborough, East Coast and Hawkes Bay can be read here.
Forestry Production and Trade for the March 2008 quarter
The March 2008 quarter saw harvesting slowing down from the previous quarter. However, there was a 15 percent increase in log exports as a result of the surplus logs harvested in the December 2007 quarter. Despite these higher export volumes, an increase in shipping rates resulted in lower export earnings – total earnings for the March 2008 quarter were NZ$747 million.
For more information
- To read or download a copy click here.
- To receive a printed copy email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
Drought book reprinted
Droughts have been frequent visitors to New Zealand in recent years. During these events, drought committees and industry groups have compiled advice that, even with the passing of time, remains relevant. This booklet was first published during the winter following the 1997/98 Wairarapa/Tararua drought. It compiled information that came out during that event, and was intended to provide a resource for future events. The booklet has now been reprinted in hard copy and in html, with minor updating, and is available as a useful pointer to key issues in droughts.
For more information
- To read or download a copy click here.
- To receive a printed copy email policy.publications@maf.govt.nz
New events
National Integrated Environmental Management Forum
14 and 15 July, 2008 Duxton Hotel, Wellington
This forum is recognition of the interconnectedness of environmental issues (climate uncertainty and increasing pressure on our water and air quality) and will seek to provide a platform for ensuring that our environmental resources are managed through a holistic approach.
The line-up of speakers from across a wide spectrum of organisations and sectors will share their knowledge and expertise and discuss strategies and frameworks that will enhance and drive the management of our resources including:
- A rethink around water management, allocation and use
- Access to and potential ownership of water
- The integrated management of ground water and surface water
- How water industries around the world are adapting to climate change and the types of solutions New Zealand needs to explore
- The strategic gap in air-quality management
- The NES as a tool for managing air quality
New website
igovt is a new government website that lets you identify yourself online so you can safely access government services such as applying for a student loan or viewing your rates account with your city council. The igovt service is secure and convenient.
The first igovt service - the Government Logon Service - is already available. It will be rebranded as igovt soon
Another igovt service - the Identity Verification Service - is being developed and will be piloted in 2009.
For more information
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Fax: +64 4 894 0721
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