Log traders and forestry advisers must be registered by 6 August 2023
To avoid delays in processing, we recommend you submit your application by 1 July 2023.
For individuals
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Registration of log traders and forestry advisers
From 6 August 2022, log traders and forestry advisers can apply to register in our system. Find out about registration, the benefits of the system, and what to expect from registered log traders and forestry advisers.
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On this page:
- About the new registration system
- What is a log trader?
- What is a forestry adviser?
- Public consultation and decisions on registration regulations
- Find out more
- Subscribe to email updates
- Who to contact
About the new registration system
From 6 August 2022, log traders and forestry advisers can apply to register. They have one year to become registered before it is an offence to practice without registration.
The registration system includes a public register. The register shows the contact details and location of registered log traders and forestry advisers. It may also show their websites, whether they identify as Māori, and iwi affiliations. Forestry adviser listings include their registration category.
Public register of log traders and forestry advisers [PDF, 359 KB]
Benefits of registration
The system will assure anyone dealing with registered log traders and forestry advisers that they meet the forestry practice standards, and they are receiving expert and impartial advice from forest advisers with the right knowledge and experience.
Registered log traders and forestry advisers have passed a background check, including a criminal conviction check. (This is referred to as “fit and proper person requirements” in the regulations and legislation.) Registered forestry advisers have also given us evidence of their qualifications and experience. Once registered, log traders and forestry advisers have ongoing obligations they must meet.
What registered log traders must do
What registered forestry advisers must do
A new complaints process is being set up for dealing with complaints about registered log traders and forestry advisers.
What is a log trader?
Under the Forests (Log Traders and Forestry Advisers) Amendment Act 2020, a log trader is a person who:
- buys logs grown in New Zealand. Logs can be trees already harvested or trees to be harvested at an agreed time; or
- exports logs grown in New Zealand; or
- processes logs they have grown themselves, or
- acts as an agent for another person doing any of those things.
Who needs to register as a log trader
What is a forestry adviser?
Under the Act, a forestry adviser is someone who provides any of these services to a client:
- acting on behalf of another person in relation to their sale or purchase of timber or other forest produce
- providing advice relating to specific forestry activities
- making inspections or preparing reports in connection with another forestry adviser service.
Who needs to register as a forestry adviser
Answer a few questions to see whether you need to register as a forestry adviser:
Find out if you need to register as a forestry adviser – decision tool
Public consultation and decisions on registration regulations
In August 2020, Parliament enacted the Forests (Log Traders and Forestry Advisers) Amendment Act. Under the Act, log traders and forestry advisers must register to operate from 6 August 2022.
Public consultation on the proposed registration system closed on 17 January 2022. Recommendations for final decisions were made to Cabinet. A summary of submissions and analysis was released on 20 June 2022.
Registration for Log Traders and Forestry Advisers – Summary of submissions [PDF, 12 MB]
Find out more about the consultation
Regulations
On 14 March 2022, Cabinet made final policy decisions on the first set of regulations for registration for log traders and forestry advisers. This first set of regulations covers
- who is entitled to be registered and how they will be assessed
- information to be submitted with applications to register
- record keeping and reporting obligations, and
- processes for resolving complaints and disputes.
Summary of Cabinet decisions on regulations for log traders and forestry advisers [PDF, 125 KB]
Final policy decisions on regulations for log traders and forestry advisers – Cabinet paper [PDF, 550 KB]
Code of ethics
The code of ethics for registered forestry advisers was made on 15 September 2022. It comes into effect on 17 October 2022. The code guides how forestry advisers conduct themselves and their business.
Forests (Code of Ethics for Registered Forestry Advisers) Rules 2022 – NZ Legislation
Public consultation on the code of ethics for forestry advisers closed on 11 July 2022.
Closed consultation on the code of ethics for registered forestry advisers
Fee and levy waivers
Some fees and levies are waived for some applicants and registered people. These waivers were made under regulations 30 and 43 of the Forests (Regulation of Log Traders and Forestry Advisers) Regulations 2022. The waivers came into effect on 16 November 2022.
Read more about fees and levies for log traders
Read more about fees and levies for forestry advisers
Find out more
Forests (Registration of Log Traders and Forest Advisers) Amendment Act 2020 – NZ Legislation
Forests (Regulation of Log Traders and Forestry Advisers) Regulations 2022 – NZ Legislation
Subscribe to email updates
Get the latest news and updates on the registration system and what you need to do to register.
Subscribe to email updates about the registration of log traders and forestry advisers
Who to contact
If you have questions, email TeUruRakau@mpi.govt.nz
