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Feedback and submissions

MPI consulted on the subject matter of a proposed National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) from 17 June 2015 until 11 August 2015.

During consultation, MPI held 18 public meetings and hui on the proposed NES-PF. Feedback received at these meetings has been considered alongside formal submissions. A range of other feedback is also being considered as MPI revise the proposal to address issues raised through consultation.

A total of 18,732 formal submissions were received. These submissions are available to download on this page. They have been grouped by submitter group.

Redactions have been made to the documents consistent with provisions of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Email addresses, phone numbers and addresses of submitters have been withheld pursuant to section 9(2)(a) of the OIA, to protect the privacy of natural persons.

Key PointsSubmissions

356 unique submissions

Key points raised

  • Suitability of the erosion susceptibility classification.
  • Whether permitted activity conditions will achieve good environmental outcomes.
  • Protection of unique or sensitive local receiving environments.
  • The certainty and enforceability of permitted activity conditions.
  • The cost of monitoring permitted activity conditions.
  • Use of genetically-modified tree species.

Regional councils and unitary authorities

District councils

Forestry industry

NGOs and community groups

Iwi organisations

Interested individuals

Other


Submitters (with names redacted) [PDF, 3.3 MB]

1,126 template submissions

Key points raised

  • Need for greater protection for indigenous vegetation and habitats.
  • Use of internationally recognised sustainable forestry practices.
  • Opposed to a provision permitting afforestation using genetically-modified tree stock where approval had been given by the Environmental Protection Authority under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.

15,662 template submissions and
1,585 signatures on petitions

Key points raised

  • Primarily opposed to a provision permitting afforestation using genetically-modified tree stock where approval had been given by the Environmental Protection Authority under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act

Next Steps

MPI has been working with subject matter experts to address issues identified through consultation and to refine the NES-PF proposal. Prior to a final policy position being reached, the revised proposal will be tested with key stakeholder groups, including councils.

Development of an NES is subject to a number of statutory requirements under the RMA, in addition to the usual government processes associated with introducing regulations. To meet these requirements, MPI will prepare and publicly notify a summary of submissions, and provide a formal report and recommendations on how to proceed with the NES-PF to the Minister for the Environment and the Associate Minister for Primary Industries.

A final policy recommendation is expected to be provided to Cabinet in mid-2016.

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