New CEO for wood processors
Mark Ross has started in his new role as chief executive of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA).
The joint industry/government meeting saw statistics that show the unsustainable forest harvest rate in Northland, Northland forests being harvested and exported at an immature stage, limited evidence of replanting and no new afforestation, says Brian Stanley, chair of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (WPMA).
Stanley says the Northland situation is severe but he is hearing a clear message from WPMA members that a threatening log supply situation is being observed from Northland right through to Southland.
"If New Zealand wants economic growth in its regions, jobs for local people, affordable housing and environmental protection then it needs a viable New Zealand wood industry," says Stanley. This view was reinforced byPita Tipene of Taitokerau Maori Forestry Inc, who added the importance to Maori of being able to take the long term view on forestry development.
"What we are seeing unfold here in Northland is rabid global demand for wood coinciding with short term speculation in the industry," says Stanley.
"The pillaging of our forests cannot continue. We owe this to future generations. I want to see our forest resources treated as a national strategic asset; held with the same mana, for example, as our land, minerals and fisheries," says Stanley.
Stanley is calling for an urgent review of the industry. This joint government/industry Rotation Review needs to start in Northland now and extend nationwide, he says.
