We all need to be advocates for our industry when we get the opportunity.
"Kia ora koutou, Steven and I have been in forestry harvesting for 25 years. This year, we joined the Taupo Chamber of Commerce. Through this, I was offered a seat at a roundtable with Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and MP Andrew Hoggard. We were told they were keen to hear directly from businesses about red tape issues local businesses are facing.To prepare, I contacted our Women in Forestry Board Chair Sarah Davis for some topical advice and I also reached out to FICA CEO Rowan Struthers for key issues I could raise.
I could have lost my nerve and missed an opportunity to speak, as other sectors dominated high-level policy conversation. However, I jumped in last and the room seemed interested in the discussion.
David took note of my request for focus to remain on resolving the fumigation issue impeding export progress with India, particularly as there is less demand from China, so growing a new market opportunity is imperative.
I also noted FICA's support of the Health and Safety Amendment Bill and the fact we submitted some tweaks to what is proposed.
I advocated on behalf of contractors in Tairawhiti struggling to carry out work due to red tape consenting issues. They asked questions to understand this issue further.
Finally, we spoke generally about the fuel crisis, supply of diesel, cost to get to work, let alone run machines, reduced production - next month's outlook, increased supplier costs - including FAF charges, impact on the communities we operate in, threat to gear security as experienced during the lockdowns and that we have advocated for inclusion to work, should the government move into any of the fuel phases.
I was grateful for the opportunity and have gained confidence to engage when another arises.
A couple of weeks ago, I raised the fumigation issue with Minister Todd McClay at a Chamber led breakfast focusing on the India FTA, I was told a product was currently being trialled to resolve this issue. The link to the article on this meeting: Huge opportunities to trade with India and in tourism, say McClay and Upston
At this meeting, I was the only person to ask a question of the Minister, so it pays to be brave.
By the reaction of both rooms when I spoke, it appears that Forestry is a sector that people are interested in - they know it but don't touch it - particularly when you are sharing your coal face experience. It puts the reality of news headlines into sharp context."
Julie Yeoman
Volcanic Plateau Logging
Women in Forestry Board Member
