Pre-1990 Forest Land Owners Hui

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) supported by Te Puni Kokiri are delivering ten half-day hui in regional centres in August 2010. These are for Maori owners of pre-1990 forest land on how to apply for an allocation or an exemption under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

The allocation is in recognition of the impact recent ETS deforestation rules may have on landowners. Alternatively some pre 1990 forest owners will be eligible to apply for an exemption to these deforestation rules.

Pre-1990 forest land is land covered by forest species (either exotic or indigenous) on 31 December 1989 that remained in forest, and was predominantly exotic forest species on 31 December 2007.

Audience:

The hui is recommended for iwi, hapu, marae and particularly trustees and committee members who have pre-1990 forest land (including leased land in pre-1990 forest).

The hui will also provide an opportunity to korero with experts in these areas.

Topics being covered:

MAF representatives will provide information on the choices available for M?ori, and how to apply for:

• the allocation of free New Zealand Units (carbon credits) under the allocation plan; or
• an exemption from ETS deforestation liabilities for pre-1990 forest landholdings of less than 50 hectare (if eligible); or
• a tree weed deforestation exemption (if eligible).

Each of these options has value and needs consideration. None of the options above are automatic; landowners must apply.

RSVP: Please register your attendance with MAF on 0800 CLIMATE (254 628), or online at http://www.maf.govt.nz/forestry-allocation. The staff on the free-phone number can answer questions you may have, or can put you in touch with a local MAF forestry advisor.

Hui Dates