27 May 2026
Council is taking a clear and consistent approach to certifying suitably qualified and experienced forestry experts involved in forestry activities across Te Tairāwhiti.
Standard forestry consent conditions produced last year require companies to use suitably qualified and experienced practitioners (SQEPs) to prepare plans, design works, and verify that work has been carried out in line with those plans and good practice.
Sustainable Futures Director Jocelyne Allen says the changes bring more clarity and consistency to how forestry work is managed.
“SQEPs are a well-established approach in regulatory settings and are now being applied to forestry activities, with a clear process to ensure they are assessed and certified consistently.”
“These experts play a key role in forestry activities. Depending on their role, they may prepare forestry plans, manage or inspect work on the ground and confirm that work has been completed in line with approved standards.”
Mrs Allen says this is particularly important for Tairāwhiti given the region’s highly erosion-prone land.
“This is about making sure the right expertise is applied to the right work. It gives the industry clearer expectations and helps ensure work is done to the right standard.”
“The process helps give our communities confidence that forestry activities are being planned, managed and verified to an appropriate standard.”
Council recently met with forestry stakeholders to present the SQEP certification process.
Feedback from workshops with the forestry sector highlighted limited SQEP capacity in the region and the need for a practical pathway for experienced practitioners who may not automatically meet the SQEP definition.
Practitioners who do not automatically meet the SQEP definition under the consent conditions may apply through the certification process to demonstrate equivalent qualifications and experience.
For more information about the SQEP process, including how to apply, visit Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioner Certification | Gisborne District Council.