McClay Todd; Kuriger BarbaraThird ReadingHon TODD McCLAY (Minister of Forestry): I move That the Forests (Log Traders and Forestry Advisers Repeal) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.The Government has set ambitious goals to reduce Public Service spending through identifying and cutting wasteful spending while removing unnecessary red tape from being put on business. This bill will play its part in helping to achieve these goals for the forestry sector. Whilst the administration of this regulation system was designed to be fully cost recovered there has been a lower number of registrations than originally anticipated. This along with the need to continue resourcing the delivery of the system has meant the Crown has not fully cost recovered the registration system to date nor does it look like it will be able to under the current settings. It's anticipated that the ongoing annual operating cost to run the system will be approximately twice as much as received from those currently registered. Therefore the system is using Crown funds to remain functional. This does not align with the Government's priorities another reason the repeal has been a priority for the forestry portfolio.As for the legal harvest assurance scheme I want to ensure the full engagement with international trading partners and the sector is delivered so that we can ensure market access is achieved in perpetuity whilst making the system as simple and cost-effective as possible for the sector. Extending the commencement date will ensure this can be achieved in order to provide a durable fully cost recovered system that does not cost the Crown and that benefits all participants.Regarding any potential concerns that members may have around removing the registration system for log traders and forestry advisers I want to make it known that I do support the intention of the registration system; I just don't agree that more than self-regulation is required to achieve these ambitions. As I mentioned in my previous speeches in other stages of the legislation I consider the New Zealand Institute of Forestry's (NZIF) voluntary registration system for forestry advisers is a better pathway for people to register as forestry advisers and for others to look for the expertise that they need. I encourage those already registered with the NZIF to retain their membership and others to look towards joining the sector body.Separate from this but as Minister for Trade I'm committed to growing the export value of forestry just as with every other part of the economy supporting the growth of the wood-processing industry removing unnecessary regulation and providing certainty as a big part of enabling this. Ultimately the repeal is one part of ensuring that we can get the policy settings right to support the sector to expand to innovate to unlock investment and to trade.I intend to publicly announce our strategic direction—indeed I have publicly announced a strategic direction for the forestry and wood-processing sector just a few weeks ago at Fieldays. It has the aim to help restore confidence and support investment that we need in forestry and in wood processing. Through supporting the sector to expand innovate unlock investment and trade we can double the value of our exports provide higher-paying jobs help meet our climate change obligations and support land-use resilience and adaptation. The registration system regulations do not support these outcomes and therefore there is no reason for them to continue.Can I thank all members in the debate on all sides of the House. Whilst not everybody is supporting the legislation the questions that were raised and comments were reasonable. Can I reach out to the Hon Peeni Henare and thank him and the Labour Party for their support today. The House by a very large majority is supporting the New Zealand forestry sector.DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to. No sorry—yeah that's right. That's right. The Hon Peeni Henare—I was just making sure I had the words right.