Appointing someone to represent ETS participants in forestry

When to appoint someone to complete ETS tasks for you

When you join the ETS, there are some tasks you will need to complete. Some of these tasks can be complex. For example, you will need to map your forest land to meet a certain set of rules and complete emissions returns.

You can appoint someone as a representative to complete certain ETS tasks on your behalf. This person or company is also sometimes known as an ‘authorised representative’. They can help you make sure that you meet your ETS obligations.

Your responsibilities when land enters the ETS

What a representative can do on your behalf

A representative manages some or all of your forestry tasks in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Once you authorise them, they can:

register your land in the ETS
map your land
complete and submit your emissions returns
respond to queries from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) about your ETS forest land
make enquiries on your behalf
sign documents
receive and send some types of information, such as notices.

What your representative can't do

Your representative cannot access your account in the New Zealand Emissions Trading Register (NZETR), unless you nominate them to do this separately under another sort of role in your register account.

You can appoint someone to manage your NZETR account as an ‘account operator’, ‘ETS reporter’ or ‘authorised person’ with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Guidance on the Emissions Trading Register – Environmental Protection Authority

ETS liability and penalties

You are liable for ensuring your ETS obligations are met. This includes when someone is acting on your behalf. If something goes wrong, you could receive a penalty and/or an infringement notice and fee. This could happen if your representative makes a mistake in your emissions return or doesn't submit your emissions return.

Having access to your Tupu-ake party account ensures that you can easily access your ETS records, including draft and submitted emissions returns.

From 1 January 2021, a new penalty regime was introduced.

Emissions Trading Scheme offences and penalties

Guidance on penalties under the Climate Change Response Act 2002 – EPA [PDF, 742 KB]

Find out more about emissions returns in the ETS

What to consider when choosing a representative

Appointing a representative is like hiring an accountant to help manage your finances. Your representative needs to have knowledge and experience about forestry in the ETS.

We cannot recommend who you should use as a representative. These representatives are not regulated. It is important to do proper research and check references for anyone you are thinking about appointing. Some people choose to appoint a professional forestry adviser or a consultant with relevant experience.

Before choosing your representative, consider:

their experience with forestry in the ETS
what their referees say about them
whether they have any history of non-compliance for forestry in the ETS
the systems and processes they use to ensure the emissions returns they file are accurate.

Make sure you have a contract with your representative which shows the scope of what they will manage on your behalf.

New Zealand Institute of Forestry public register

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has a public register of forestry professionals working across all aspects of forestry, including the ETS. Qualifications and experience in forestry are among the requirements for registration. Registered people must adhere to the NZIF's code of ethics to maintain their registration.

Find a registered forest professional – NZIF