NES_PF Notification of Forestry Activities

The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) came into effect on 1 May 2018. Under the NES-PF notification, it is required for some permitted activities to provide notification to Matamata-District Council within at least 20 and no more than 60 days of when the activity is planned. To understand the specific requirements of the NES-PF, please review the NES-PF here (https://www.mpi.govt.nz/forestry/national-environmental-standards-plantation-forestry/)

Regional Council Functions under NES-PF

Territorial authorities and regional councils have differing functions under the NES-PF. The key regional council functions are across eight planation forestry activities:

• Afforestation
• Pruning and thinning to waste
• Earthworks
• River crossings
• Forest quarrying
• Harvesting
• Mechanical land preparation
• Replanting

As part of notification for regional councils, the following risk assessment tools must be completed:

• Erosion Susceptibility Classification
• Fish Spawning Indicator
• Wilding Tree Risk Calculator

For more information on NES-PF notification at a regional level please visit (https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/land-and-soil/nespf/)

Territorial Authorities Funtions under the NES-PF

The key functions for territorial authorities are across the following planation forestry activities:

• Afforestation
• Forestry quarrying
• Harvesting
• Replanting
• Ancillary activities - Indigenous and non-indigenous vegetation clearance
• General Provisions – Indigenous Bird Nesting
• General Provisions – Noise and Vibration and Dust

Roading

In addition to the notification requirements set out in the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry, before any forestry activities can be considered Permitted by Matamata-Piako District Council, the applicant will need to demonstrate that the vehicle entrance to the site complies with Part B: Section 9.1.2(vi) of the Matamata-Piako District Plan (Access for Seasonal Rural Activities). In most cases this will require access to be provided from an entrance that generally meets the MPDC – DG307(c) entrance standard.

https://www.mpdc.govt.nz/pdf/CouncilDocuments/Plans/DistrictPlan/DevelopmentManual/Part3Diagrams/DG307c.pdf

If you intend to construct a new entrance or upgrade an existing entrance you should discuss this with Councils Rural Consent Engineer before undertaking any work.

Councils Rural Consent Engineer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. will undertake a site visit and assess the suitability of the entrance prior to giving approval to commence the proposed forestry activity.  

Operators should note that an Overweight Permit from Matamata-Piako District Council is required to transport overweight harvesting equipment on our roads. Operators should contact Councils Roading Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to apply for Overweight Permits and discuss any road or bridge restrictions that could potentially limit or restrict the harvesting operation. There may also be bridge restrictions for HPMV units leaving the site. Councils Roading Team can also assist with approved routes.

Notification

Please provide notification by completing this Notification Form  and attaching the required information discussed in the form. Once completed please send the Notification Form and information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When the Notification Form and information has been reviewed you will receive an approval letter confirming that notification has been given and approved. If more information is required we may ask for further information. Notification is required under the NES-PF, as part of the permitted conditions for the activity. If the notification regulations are not complied with within at least 20 and no more than 60 working days then a resource consent may be required as a controlled activity. Under section 37 of the RMA, council may extend the timeframe while giving consideration to the interests of those affected by the extension and the interests of the community.