FSC ANZ has announced the publication of a new standard for responsible forest management in New Zealand. After a comprehensive process of rigorous consultation with industry, environment, and social stakeholders and Indigenous groups, the FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for New Zealand (NZ FSS) targets the most pressing issues in New Zealand forestry today. Source: Timberbiz
This includes living wage requirements, better protection of waterways, addressing issues related to erosion, and establishing culturally appropriate means of communication with Māori communities affected by forestry operations.
“The publication of the Standard is a hugely important achievement based on years of hard work. The FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for New Zealand will mark a watershed moment for New Zealand’s forestry industry, enabling forest managers to further enhance the industry’s profile and to cement its role in New Zealand’s transition to a sustainable future,” CEO of FSC Australia and New Zealand, Melanie Robertson said
Effective 15 April 2023, the NZ FSS publication coincides with FSC’s 25th anniversary in New Zealand.
“I can think of no better way to mark this anniversary than the publication of a Standard that helps drive forestry in New Zealand towards further positive environmental and social outcomes,” Ms Robertson said.
“FSC International provides a suite of generic requirements that define what good and responsible forest management look like.
“The requirements are then tailored to suit the local context.”
To do this, FSC NZ, in accordance with its unique governance model, brought together a group of diverse economic, environmental and social stakeholders tasked with developing the NZ FSS.
One of these stakeholders, Sally Strang, Environmental Manager of Hancock Natural Resource Group said that over the past two decades, FSC certification has been the catalyst for vast improvements in the standard of forest management in New Zealand, particularly relating to the management of environmental values in our forests and engagement with stakeholders.
“This has been positive for the industry to ensure we are well-placed to meet future challenges.” She is optimistic that the new Standard will lift forestry in New Zealand to a new level, noting, “The new Standard will continue to raise the bar and ensure our forest management meets international expectations of responsible forest management,” she said.
