The new forestry service name, advisory group and an allocation of $15 million for operating funds of the service has been announced today by the government.
Forestry Minister Shane Jones, alongside Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, announced Te Uru Rākau as the new name of the forestry service, and also the make-up of the Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group of 10 experts who are intended to assist the government with their plan to plant one billion trees.
"I believe Te Uru Rākau will play a key role in supporting and promoting our vision for a flourishing forestry sector, delivering sustainable jobs in our regions, forestry workforce development and training, economic growth while helping meet our country's climate change targets," Mr Jones said.
"Te Uru Rākau will build a strong and dedicated forestry presence in Rotorua, recognising that Rotorua is at the heart of the forestry sector in New Zealand. Forestry is our third largest export earner – with an annual gross income of about $5.0 billion – and has the potential to grow.
"I'm pleased to be able to announce today that Budget 2018 will set aside $15 million of operating funds to boost the capability of the new service, enabling it to work with landowners, provide forestry expertise and deliver on the Government’s forestry objectives," Mr Jones said.
The Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group will consist of Dr Warren Parker, James Palmer, David Rhodes, Robert Green, Gina Solomon, Henare Walker, Dr Charlotte Severne, Brian Stanley, Fiona Kingsford and Neil Cullen.
"The group has been selected for their expertise in a wide range of disciplines that I believe are necessary to deliver New Zealand’s forestry goals," Mr Jones said in a press release.
"They will provide direct industry perspectives on a range of topics, including research, commercial and conservation forestry, local government, farm-forestry, wood processing, education and research," Mr Jones said.
"The group will provide insights on the performance of the overall forestry system, along with advice on future trends, risks and issues."
Mr Jones said the "exact functions, size and governance structure" of the service Te Uru Rākau will be signed off by Cabinet later in 2018.
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