Log traders must provide certain information and documents when applying to register. Find out what you need to do.
If you meet the criteria of a log trader, you will need to register to continue operating. We urge any people operating or planning to operate as a log trader that are not yet registered to apply.
Below is the information you’ll need for your application. We recommend gathering the information before you start your application as your progress will not be saved.
You can only register as a log trader if you meet the criteria. You'll need to:
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, 1.3 MB]
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.
Start your application to register as a log trader
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:
Sole traders must also give us:
For a log trading business, you must provide this information for each decision maker in the business. Decision makers include:
If the business doesn’t have these, provide information about people who perform similar roles in the business.
Sole traders need to provide us with proof of ID. This can be one form of primary ID, or 2 forms of secondary ID.
If your ID is not in English, you’ll need to get a verified translation of it.
Primary forms of ID are government issued. They include your photo, name and signature.
Examples include:
If you do not have a primary ID, you’ll need to provide 2 forms of secondary ID. Secondary ID is not issued by the government and/or does not have a photo.
Examples include:
If you have no forms of ID, let us know. Email forestryregister@mpi.govt.nz
The background check is done to confirm that the business and its decision makers meet 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.
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.
Having a civil liability does not necessarily mean your application will be rejected.
See a list of civil liabilities we consider relevant 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
You will be asked questions about criminal and civil convictions and other compliance matters. You will need to confirm whether your business:
Provide details of your log trading business, including:
You can choose to tell us your website. If you do, it will be displayed on the public register.
You can tell us if your organisation identifies as Māori and any iwi and hapū affiliations you have. Only provide these details if you want them to appear on the public register.
You must confirm that you trade at least 2,000 cubic metres of logs in each financial year.
You must confirm whether you:
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
You will be asked questions about civil convictions and other compliance matters. You will need to confirm whether your business:
For each registered log trader, these details will be displayed on the public register:
If you have given us any of these details below, they will appear on the public register:
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.
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.
If you’re applying to register as a log trader and forestry adviser, the registration fee is reduced by 50% to $255.30.
If you’re a Registered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) the registration fee is reduced by 90% to $50.60.
To get the waiver:
Send the email to, forestryregister@mpi.govt.nz
We assess your application and let you know whether your registration was approved. If it's approved, your details will appear on the public register as long as you remain registered.
Public register of log traders [PDF, 1.3 MB]
Once you are registered as a log trader, there are certain things you must do.
What a registered log trader must do
If your application is not approved, we will tell you that your application was declined and the reason why. You may:
Once you are registered, you can ask us to revoke your registration at any time. This means that you will no longer be registered. Your details will be removed from the public register.
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
For more information about the registration system for log traders and forestry advisers, email forestryregister@mpi.govt.nz
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