How should our forests be managed? [NZ/AU]Friday 17 Jul 2026
Developed by Responsible Wood, AS/NZS 4708 sets out requirements for sustainable forest management in Australia and New Zealand. It forms part of the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme and supports PEFC-endorsed certification in Australia. In New Zealand, it underpins the PEFC-recognised sustainable forest management scheme. The Standard plays an important role in stewarding responsible forest management practices that support healthy forests, biodiversity, renewable timber supply, regional jobs, cultural values and community expectations. Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries said the public consultation process provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the ongoing development of the Standard. "Sustainable forest management impacts a wide range of people and sectors both directly and indirectly, from forest managers through to processors, builders, designers, retailers, environmental groups, communities and consumers," Mr Dorries said. "The draft Standard has been developed through a multi-stakeholder process, but public consultation is an important part of standards development. Feedback helps ensure the Standard reflects a broad range of perspectives before it’s finalised." "Whether you work in the sector or have an interest in how our forests are managed, we encourage you to review the proposed amendments and provide feedback before consultation closes on 7 August." With the revision process initiated every five years, the latest updates reflect changes to the PEFC International Standard for Sustainable Forest Management PEFC ST 1003:2024 introduced to align PEFC with the European Deforestation Regulation and stakeholder feedback received since AS/NZS 4708 was last updated in 2021. The revised draft has been developed by the Standards Reference Committee, which includes representatives from forest management, forest research, auditing, government, community organisations, environmental groups, Indigenous stakeholders, industry and labour unions across Australia and New Zealand. The review process is being undertaken in accordance with Standards Australia procedures. Responsible Wood is accredited as a Standards Development Organisation (SDO) and is accredited to develop Australian and New Zealand Standards in line with recognised standards development processes. The Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, of which AS/NZS 4708:2021 is a key component, is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the world's largest forest certification system. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft Standard and provide feedback by 7 August 2026: Source & image credit: Responsible Wood  | ||
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