Follow these steps to apply to register as a log trader
In the steps below is the information you’ll need for your application. Gather the information before you start your application as your progress will not be saved.
Step 1: Check you're eligible to register
You can only register as a log trader if you meet the criteria. You'll need to:
- meet the volume threshold of logs traded (at least 2,000 cubic metres)
- pass a background check.
Find out if you are eligible to register
Note, if your registration application is approved, your details will appear on a public register.
Public register of log traders [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Step 2: Gather your documents
Criminal record check
Each decision maker for the business needs to provide a criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice that is less than 3 months old.
Step 3: Submit your application in our online system
Start your application to register as a log trader
Provide your details
Provide your name and contact details. If you are applying on behalf of someone, give us their details as well as your name and contact details. You must confirm that you have authority to act on behalf of the business or other person.
For a sole trader, you must tell us:
- the name and contact details of the log trader
- previous names the log trader has been known as, including trading names
- the region or regions the log trader operates or intends to operate in.
For a log trading business, you must provide this information for each decision maker in the business. Decision makers include:
- directors
- partners
- trustees
- senior managers.
If the business doesn’t have these, provide information about people who perform similar roles in the business.
Provide background check information
The background check is done to confirm that the business meets the “fit and proper person requirements” in the regulations. While log traders are registered, the decision makers of the business must continue to meet the requirements of the background check and must tell us if anything changes.
Information about decision makers
For each decision maker, you must answer questions about civil liabilities. These are penalties imposed by a court or regulator for various forms of conduct.
See a list of relevant civil liabilities for log traders
For each decision maker, you must provide a criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice less than 3 months old.
Request your criminal record online – Ministry of Justice
Information about the business
You will be asked questions about criminal and civil convictions and other compliance matters. You will need to confirm whether your business:
- has a specific legal structure, for example, whether it is a registered company, trust, sole trader, or other structure
- is not in receivership of liquidation
- is not subject to any other insolvency proceeding or process
- has any relevant civil liabilities, including corporate liability
- for renewal of registration, has previously complied with what a registered log trader needs to do, for example has not been suspended or had their registration revoked.
Provide details about your business
Provide details of your log trading business, including:
- business name and contact details
- NZBN or company number
- business type (sole person, registered company or trust)
- organisation structure
- region.
You can choose to tell us your website. If you do, it will be displayed on the public register.
Māori and iwi affiliations
You can tell us in your application if your organisation identifies as Māori and any iwi and hapū affiliations you have. If you provide these details, you can choose whether they appear on the public register.
Log trader threshold and services
You must confirm that you trade at least 2,000 cubic metres of logs in each financial year.
You must confirm whether you:
- buy logs grown in New Zealand
- export logs grown in New Zealand
- process logs grown yourself in New Zealand
- act as an agent for another person or organisation doing any of these things
- transfer ownership of New Zealand logs to or from a related company.
The services you choose here will be displayed on the public register.
Read more about the log trader threshold and other criteria for registering as a log trader
Provide background check information about the business
You will be asked questions about civil convictions and other compliance matters. You will need to confirm whether your business:
- is a registered company, trust, sole trader, or other structure (legal structure or status)
- is not in receivership of liquidation
- is not subject to any other insolvency proceeding or process
- has any previous civil liabilities, including corporate liability
- for renewal of registration, has previously complied with what a registered log trader needs to do, for example has not been suspended or had their registration revoked.
What information appears on the public register
For each person in the application, these details will be displayed on the public register:
- their trading name and contact details
- their registration date
- the expiry date of their registration
- the log trader services they provide
- regions the business operates in.
If you have given us any of these details below, you can choose whether they appear on the public register:
- website (if any)
- whether your organisation identifies as Māori
- iwi and hapū affiliations.
In exceptional circumstances, you can ask to withhold your address from the public register. You will need to tell us the reasons why. The reasons may only relate to the safety or privacy of you and your family.
Step 4: Pay the registration fee
You must pay the registration fee of $510.60 including GST when you apply to register. You will need a valid debit or credit card to pay online.
