Independent Assurance Review Of Forestry Consenting And ComplianceCouncil is commissioning an independent assurance review of its forestry consenting and compliance system. Hon Christopher Finlayson KC has been confirmed to Chair the independent review panel, with environmental and resource management specialist Dr Marie Doole confirmed as a panel member. “Council has significantly strengthened its forestry consenting, monitoring and enforcement capability since 2018, and we have also been working closely with the forestry sector to improve our processes and standard consent conditions. “That work has been constructive, but concerns continue to be raised about consenting requirements, compliance settings, costs and processing timeframes. The review will also distinguish between matters Council can address itself and issues that may require cooperation with the forestry sector or clearer national direction.