Forest Talk

Longstanding Nelson communications consultant and former NZ Logger magazine editor, Jacquie Boer (nee Hanham/Walters) has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand Te Pūtahi Whakakakau Tūmatanui o Aotearoa (PRINZ).

“It’s fantastic to be recognised by my peers,” she says. “It helps provide South Island public relations professionals with a voice at the table when it comes to addressing wider industry issue..... more

“The Climate Change Commission’s first monitoring report is a shot across the bow to the Government, strongly suggesting that it needs to up the ante on its climate policy response,” says Lawyers for Climate Action NZ’s Executive Director, Jessica Palairet. 

She continues: “This is the first time the Commission has prepared a monitoring report since the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act came into force. It provides an ‘objectiv..... more

Government’s decision to accelerate the delivery of a new expressway to Whangārei is welcome news for businesses across the region and will help transform the Northland economy says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).

EMA Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald, says Northland has been hampered by poor infrastructure that has impeded growth in the region for decades.

"Northland businesses need to be able to move their goods and services ..... more

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), New Zealand’s environmental regulator charged with ‘protecting the environment and enhancing a safe and sustainable way of life’, may need to cut one in five roles.

In a response to Government spending cuts, the EPA is proposing to cut a net 42 roles, including 21 currently vacant, representing around one in five roles across the authority as it looks to cut spending by $2.1m.

"This is just the late..... more

A major employer has been forced to put a two-week “operational pause” in place across its sites.

Ruapehu’s Karioi pulpmill and Tangiwai sawmill are under a two-week “operational pause”. 

Employing close on 300 staff, the mills are operated by Winstone Pulp International.

Chief Executive, Mike Ryan says energy prices are the main driver behind the move.

“Since September 2021, energy prices have increased more than 600% - from $..... more

Official figures show alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In 2022 alcohol and drugs were contributors to 200 fatal crashes on our roads. Despite this, only 26% of drivers think they are likely to be caught drug driving. 

Government’s new legislation to enable roadside drug testing will reduce drug-related road accidents, reduce injuries, save taxpayer money, and most importantly, save li..... more