Phytos recently held a Special General Meeting on 20 April. The purpose of the meeting included resolving the society’s new constitution and levy. The meeting also provided an update on our current work programme, priorities, and new name, ‘Phytos’.  

The Board was pleased with the level of support for the organisation’s strategy and direction. This support was reiterated with all four motions passing with unanimous approval. The approved motions are:

• Approval of new constitution

• Approval of new levy collection system

• Approval of a subscription ($100 per annum) and levy rate ($0.04/Tonne export log volume)

• Election of Brendan Gould as Secretary/Treasurer

The meeting also noted that Genera had advised that it would cease collecting the old STIMBR levy as at 30 June 2023.

The meeting confirmed the current Board as:

• Independent Chair (Don Hammond)

• NZ Forest Owners Association (Brendan Gould)

• Log Exporters (John Gardner, Parke Pittar, Mark Procter)

We also took some time to outline our work programme and priorities as summarised here:

• New brand and website

• Vaporph3os one – shot operational feasibility trial

• Industry support – Chinese pest interception

• Independent debarking audit

• Genera resource consent submission

• Phytosanitary options for India

• Advocacy - support for crew assist

• Trade/phytosanitary relationships (e.g., India)

• Overall research and development strategy for phosphine

• EDN – Sirex trial, timber and logs in containers, ship holds

• Mbr recapture, destruction, re-use and low dose

• RMA legal review - fumigant consent status for each port/ region

• Review and update 2014 literature review – new resource

• Log export industry contingency planning

• Debark options – in forest, enhancement options

• Joule heating logistics and feasibility

I would like to take this opportunity to again thank the industry for its support for what is now an organisation very focused on phytosanitary issues relating to market access.  I would also like to thank our Board members and executive for their effort and support as we have moved into what is another exciting phase of work for the wider forestry industry.  

Don Hammond

Independent Chairman

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