South Waikato District Council hosts Forestry Symposium

Released: Friday 15 March 2019

South Waikato District Council hosted close to 80 industry stakeholders from across the Central North Island (CNI) forestry sector on Wednesday 6 March 2019.

“The overarching goal of the symposium was for the CNI leaders to share current industry and labour market issues and opportunities and explore implementable regional and local solutions”, said Paul Bowden, Council’s Economic Development Manager. “And for Council to listen.”

Mayor Jenny Shattock is eager to galvanise stakeholders to futureproof the sector so that all businesses can reach their full potential. “With 20% of local jobs, 19% of GDP and 39% of export earnings in the District, coming from the forestry sector, what happens in forestry sector matters. It is in the DNA of our people and communities, our shared past and integral to our exciting future”.

Representatives at the symposium covered a broad spectrum across the industry from government agencies, pulp processing, logistics and distribution, harvesting, training providers and forest management.

The symposium focussed on key areas including current barriers to employment the strengths and challenges experienced currently, the vision for the sector in 20 years’ time and the steps that are needed to reach these goals.

Key themes included the forestry sector being considered an attractive industry with rewarding career prospects, collaborating so the sector speaks with ‘one voice’, education and training pathways, continued investment in innovation and environmental sustainability.

The keynote address on the Government’s 1Bn Trees Programme was delivered by Ruth Fairhall, Director Afforestation Policy, Te Uru Rākau Forestry who attended with colleagues from Wellington.

The President of Hancock Forest Management NZ Ltd, Bill McCallum, said the attendees represented a broad range of stakeholder interests.

“The SWDC is to be commended on its initiative,” said Mr McCallum.

Council has committed to hosting follow up symposiums throughout 2019 with the sector to ensure the forestry sector in Tokoroa and the wider South Waikato continues to grow. Ends: words: 320