Forest growers give green light to levy renewalFriday 13 Dec 2024
The Levy Vote, which ran from 1 to 31 October 2024, saw nearly 90% of voters supporting renewal of the levy at the proposed rate of 33 cents to 45 cents for the next levy order period. The ‘yes’ votes represented 99.63% of the total hectares of voters. The vote was conducted by independent election agency Research New Zealand in accordance with the Act. Post-voting audits indicated that some votes cast did not meet the voting or eligibility criteria. All votes that did not comply with these criteria were removed. This included some members of syndicates that cast multiple votes for the same forest, votes that were cast for non-qualifying forests and votes cast by individuals that were not the legal owner of the forest. The audited result returned 191 eligible votes and a total forest area of 610,357 hectares. Of these votes, 171 were a ‘yes’ to renewing the levy and 20 were votes against renewal. Votes in support of renewing the levy represented 608,070 hectares. Research New Zealand reported the “yes” vote was conclusive, even if the 109 ineligible votes were counted. On that basis, the 300 total votes returned pre-audit would have still returned a 70% support rate for the levy. Forest Growers Levy Trust chair, Stephen Franks, says the positive result highlights the importance of the levy to forest growers. “Forestry has faced difficult times of late and we know growers across the country are looking very closely at their costs,” Stephen says. “The fact that growers are still committed to the levy during an economic downturn shows a welcome recognition of the value of shared industry-good activity and representation. “Forest owners big and small can achieve more together than on their own.” The levy has generated approximately $10 million per annum in recent years. It will continue to fund sector representation, research and development, biosecurity, environmental advocacy and more. Ten years of the levy has helped forest owners achieve stronger biosecurity protection for New Zealand’s production forests. It has improved health and safety and helped to transform harvest operations with mechanisation. “The forest research and development programme in particular has enabled access to co-funding for growers, raising $2.50 for every levy dollar invested,” Stephen says. “The successful levy vote is a credit to the vision of those who established the levy and the continuing ability of forest growers to agree on core requirements to advance forest growing in New Zealand.” Stephen says the focus of the levy has evolved over time in response to growers’ needs. “There is now a substantial focus on cost savings and building resilience. Not only to natural challenges but to local political responses as New Zealand faces international climate change policies and market disruptions.” More >> Source & image credit: NZ Forest Owners Association  | ||
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