How to register as a log trader

You can only register as a log trader if you meet the criteria. You'll need to:

• meet the volume threshold of logs traded (2,000 cubic metres)
• pass a background check
• show proof of your identity.

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 and forestry advisers

The person making the application and each decision maker for the business need to provide:

• a criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice less than 3 months old
• a colour copy of photo ID (passport or New Zealand driver’s licence).

From 30 September 2022, a RealMe account will be required to apply to register (RealMe is the government's online identification service). Photo ID may still be required to apply to register.

Read more about RealMe

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.

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

You will need to answer questions and provide a criminal record for each person.

The background check asks questions about the conduct of the business and each decision maker. While you are registered as a log trader, you and the decision makers of your business must continue to meet the requirements of the background check. You must tell us if anything changes.

To complete the background check, each sole trader or decision maker must:

• answer questions about criminal and civil offences
• provide a criminal conviction record from the Ministry of Justice less than 3 months old.

Request your criminal record online – Ministry of Justice

These things are done to confirm that you meet the “fit and proper person requirements” in the regulations. Read more below.

Full list of matters to be taken into account for the background check ("fit and proper person requirements") for log traders: Regulation 5, Forests (Regulation of Log Traders and Forestry Advisers) Regulations 2022

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.

Māori and iwi affiliations

You can choose to tell us:

• your website
• whether the organisation is Māori or represents Māori business
• iwi affiliations.

Log trader threshold and services

You must confirm that you trade 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 criminal and 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 in receivership of liquidation
• is subject to any other insolvency proceeding or process
• has any previous criminal convictions or civil liabilities, including corporate liability
• has previously complied with what a registered log trader needs to do, for example has not been suspended or had their registration revoked.

Choose which details appear 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 you identify as Māori
• iwi affiliations.

In exceptional circumstances, you can ask to withhold your address from the public register. You will need to tell us the reasons why.

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.