Frequently asked questions about native timber opportunity

If I become an Approved Operator with an approved Work Plan, and hold an Authority to remove timber, can I sell this to someone else?

No, but the Department of Conservation (DOC) would consider consenting to a transfer/assignment. However, this would be subject to meeting all the requirements of the Authority. 

How do I change the site I want to extract timber from, if I have an approved Work Plan, and hold an Authority to remove timber?

A further work plan is required to be submitted. 

Can I have an Authority to remove timber that runs for the maximum time ie to July 2019?

No. An Authority will generally be approved for periods of 3 to 6 months. 

What happens in terms of access to timber from conservation lands after 1 July 2019?

Access to timber will cease on 1 July 2019. 

Can I export the timber I remove?

Yes providing the timber meets the relevant provisions of both the West Coast Wind-blown Timber Act (Section 11) and the of the Forest Act 1949  (67C(3)). 

I am a woodturner and would love to work with some native timber. Is there a simpler process for people like me?

DOC will consider applications on a case by case basis (depending on the site specific details and volume you want to remove). You may want to consider buying directly from a larger supplier of native timber. 

How much is it going to cost me to become an Approved Operator with an approved Work Plan, and have an Authority to remove timber?

The application fee is set at $500 + GST. There are also costs associated with health and safety, bonds, insurance, processing and monitoring of the authority. The costs will depend on the scale of the recovery. 

How does DOC know the timber being taken under this new Act is happening under the necessary approvals and not just being taken anyway?

An Authority must be in place in order for timber to be removed under this Act. The Authority would cover all approvals required for the activities being undertaken on public conservation land and specify the ways in which the timber may be used. An Authority must be presented to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) prior to a milling statement being issued by MPI and any timber being milled at a registered sawmill (this ensures that the timber has been authorized for removal). DOC and MPI will crosscheck the Authority and milling statement numbers. 

Why can’t I put a road in to get my equipment in and get the timber out?

No significant earthworks are permitted under the West Coast Wind-blown Timber Act 2014. The effects of putting in a road would unreasonably effect conservation. 

Does the timber have to be milled on the West Coast?

No, providing it is milled at a registered sawmill. 

When is the earliest I can start? Can I go in before I get the authorisation to do some assessment work?

No, the earliest you could start is once an Authority has been granted by DOC, signed by yourself and returned to DOC. 

Can I sell the scrap timber or waste material left over from the manufacturing process?

Yes. 

Can I use ground-based machinery to extract timber?

No. It is anticipated that most timber will need to be recovered by helicopter. However some timber may be accessible from road sides, private land or riverbeds where, for example, an excavator could be used to lift timber out with minimal impact. 

Can I build a road to access timber?

No. The Act does not permit activities which cause significant soil disturbance. However it may be acceptable to re-open old existing access roads where impact is minimal. 

How can I tell if timber was blown down in Cyclone Ita?

DOC and MPI have mapped approximate areas that were known to have blown down during Cyclone Ita. For other areas or scattered trees, you will need to demonstrate that the timber was blown down by Cyclone Ita. DOC is in the process of establishing monitoring plots as a benchmark for establishing the age of wind-blown trees. 

How much timber can I recover from an area?

DOC is developing guiding principles to determine allowable recoverable volume on a site by site basis. The majority of timber (merchantable tree volume) will remain undisturbed in order to preserve ecological functions. 

What species of timber can be recovered?

The main commercial species, rimu and beech will be considered. Under-represented forest species (eg matai) will generally not be available for recovery.

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