WOOD CO LAUNCHED: But is there enough gas in the tank?

摘要

By hand-picking his own steering group to manage the Forest Industry Development Agenda (FIDA), New Zealand Forestry Minister Jim Anderton did the industry a major favour. His action kick-started the establishment in December of a new pan-industry association of associations called Wood Co. The only question now is financial: does the industry have the dosh to pay its way voluntarily, or will a compulsory levy be necessary? THE FORMATION OF THE NEW Zealand Wood Council (Wood Co') was finally announced a couple of days before Christmas and the consensus is that the new bodv will soon assume the function of the FIDA steering group. Wood Co chairman Tony Johnston is full of praise for Forestry Minister Anderton for getting the FIDA process started andacknowledges that "in some ways FIDA encouraged Wood Co into life". Wood Co claims to be "fully representative" of the industry. Founding members include the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA), New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (FFA), Wood Processors Association (WPA), Pine Manufacturers Association (PMA) and the Forest Industry Contractors Association (PICA). Only the Timber Industry Federation (TIP) and the Federation of Maori Authorities did not attend the December establishment meeting.