McClay Todd; Kuriger BarbaraSecond ReadingHon TODD McCLAY (Minister of Forestry): I move That the Forests (Log Traders and Forestry Advisers Repeal) Amendment Bill be now read a second time.I would like to again acknowledge the forestry sector and the amount of change they've experienced over the past six years. There have been you know different messages that have come from Government in the form of the emissions trading scheme reviews and the piling on of additional rules and regulations have affected them. It's made the investment environment very uncertain for foresters.Forestry has a very long investment time frame. From planting to harvest it can take over 30 years for individuals and businesses to capitalise on their investment. I want to send a clear signal that is worth investing in forestry and the Government supports afforestation to boost exports grow and to help meet our emissions reduction and adaptation objectives.The problem we've had in New Zealand in recent years is that when we have a problem even a perceived problem we've often attempted to fix it through more rules or regulations. This is probably a case that is no different than that. Through the repeal of the bill and the passing of other bills since the Government took office we're sending a very clear signal to the wider Government agencies and the general public that actually what we want is fewer rules but better ones and to work with the private sector where they're able to achieve what Government tries to sometimes—they are often better placed to do so.The introduction of a regulation system was not the only part of these regulations. On top of the regulation system additional regulations came into force on 1 July 2024 which add yet more obligations on registered forestry advisors to record their activities and submit annual reports of those activities to the Government. Additionally on the same date a new levy year will commence and another annual levy will be required to be paid by the registrants. I don't see that any value has been created as a result of the log traders or forest advisers through the system and therefore these levies are not justified nor is there a fee that they should be paid in registration.Given the new regulations would add further compliance costs onto the sector in July we're seeking to repeal this legislation as quickly as possible so that the sector avoids this duplication additional cost and of course more compliance. We are repealing this legislation as effectively and efficiently as possible to avoid these initial costs on the sector but also on the Crown.This legislation has been supported by a very large majority in the House and by all of the coalition partners including the Hon Shane Jones who I've worked very very closely with to ensure that we get the balance right to be in the protection but not over-regulated and burdening.I just wanted to point out in the previous debate the member from the Green Party asked what engagement we've had from Māori as I think the member of the Māori Party did. I'd just like to read and can perhaps table if necessary a letter and email that we received from Ngā Pou a Tāne the National Māori Forestry Association that said Tēnā koe Minita McClay. A short note from Ngā Pou a Tāne in thanks for making the practical decision to repeal this unnecessary legislation. We're pleased our voice and that of the industry has prevailed. Long may this continue." That was from the chair of that organisation. So there has been ongoing engagement and discussion and this is something that is widely supported by the forestry sector. I commend it to the House.DEPUTY SPEAKER: So just can I clarify the Minister was saying that you would table that document if requested.Hon TODD McCLAY: Well I said what I've said: if necessary.DEPUTY SPEAKER: OK so if requested—you're not asking to table it.Hon TODD McCLAY: No.DEPUTY SPEAKER: OK. Thank you.Hūhana Lyndon: Point of order. Could I seek for the letter to be tabled.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yeah you can make a point of order and you can request that the Minister tables that.Hūhana Lyndon: I did.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yeah. You need to seek leave for—just a moment I'll just get the words right. I've just clarified that—I can't seek leave for someone else to do something the Minister will have to do that voluntarily. So thank you.Hūhana Lyndon: Thank you.Hon TODD McCLAY: Point of order Madam Speaker. I will just tidy it up so there's not information that shouldn't be in the public domain in as far as contact details and then I'll table it.DEPUTY SPEAKER: OK. Thank you."