The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) came into effect in 2018. It became the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) in November 2023. The NES-CF provides a consistent set of rules for commercial forestry activities across New Zealand.
If you operate under the NES-CF, you must tell us before starting work on forestry activities. These include:
Visit Ministry for Primary Industries to find out if your forestry activities are managed under the NES-CF.
This table explains how much notice you need to give for different forestry activities before starting work on them.
| Activity | How much notice you need to give |
|---|---|
| Afforestation |
|
|
|
| River crossings |
|
| Forest quarrying |
|
| Harvesting |
|
| Replanting |
|
Notice of the activity:
Email monitoring@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with:
This document does not replace a resource consent application. Your permitted activity may still need resource consent. Find out more about preparing your resource consent application.
If you need resource consent due to the sensitivity of the local environment, matters of discretion may require an assessment of the effects on mana whenua. We recommend you engage with iwi as soon as possible to find out if you need to do a cultural value assessment.
The NES-CF notice allows us to request a copy of management plans for your planned work. It is our policy to request management plans.
These include:
You must provide us with any requested management plans at least 15 working days before work starts.
You also need to tell us about any amendments to management plans so we can request a copy of the updated plan.
Once we receive your completed notification form, we will:
Visit Stormwater forms and guides under 'Best management practice – Environmental' for a copy of 'A guide for small forest owners'.
Erosion Susceptibility Classification – Ministry for Primary Industries
Wilding Tree Risk calculator – Ministry for Primary Industries
Fish Spawning Indicator – Ministry for Primary Industries