David Rhodes
The NZ forestry industry farewelled FOA Chief Executive David Rhodes this week, after 18 successful years in the role. Source: Timberbiz
Mr Rhodes has been party to an enormous amount of change over the years – the introduction of the forest growers levy in 2013, the destruction caused by cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, and now, the chance for collaborative industry transformation through the Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan.
His tenacity and strong leadership skills have steered the sector well, championing the importance of forestry and its people and the role it has in mitigating climate change.
Mr Rhodes has been a tireless industry advocate throughout his tenure, ensuring forestry’s voice was heard both domestically and abroad, including at the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA), at the pan-primary sector Food and Fibre Partnership group and in the Emissions Trading Scheme space, where his technical expertise has proven invaluable.
His career began with completion of an MSc in Zoology, then a period as an ecologist at D.S.I.R, followed by several appointments with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – including a year as Special Advisor to the Department of Natural Resources in Canada.
