Forestry News

Landcare Research's carboNZero programme is about to expand its services into Ireland. Backed by more than a decade of research, the programme now has 8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHG) under management, 170,000 tonnes of GHG offsets undertaken, 275 certifications issued, 250+ organisations contracted to become certified, and international licences in place.

A large forest management consultancy, PF Olsen Limited, was this week fined $80,000 in the Tauranga District Court, for two offences under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

World deforestation, mainly the conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land, has decreased over the past 10 years but continues at an alarmingly high rate in many countries, the FAO announced today.

A MAF report released today shows New Zealand has reversed the trend of deforestation and re-started tree planting, Minister for Climate Change Issues Nick Smith says. However the report itself indicates that many forest owners are uncertain about future prospects and large areas are lying fallow following harvest.

A new permit system allowing heavy vehicles to operate outside the current mass and dimension limits will deliver real gains for both the economy and the travelling public, says transport minister Steven Joyce.

Scouts from Hawaii-based sustainable energy firm Merica have been in New Zealand investigating the potential for a biofuels industry drawn from wood waste, according to a Fairfax media report.

Prime minister John Key says his government is unlikely to amend its emissions trading scheme (ETS) before it takes effect on the energy and transport sectors in July despite calls from business groups, farmers and Act.

Five recipients of the Fitec 2009 Emerging Leaders Scholarship recently completed their leadership courses and are ready to apply what they’ve learned in their workplaces.