New program to strengthen forest certification
and auditing capability
A new training program aims to strengthen auditing capability across the forestry sector in Australia and New Zealand, helping forestry businesses build the expertise to navigate certification requirements, while expanding the pool of specialist auditors equipped to assess forest management practices against certification standards.
The JASANZ Futures x Responsible Wood program will help forestry businesses build internal auditing expertise. The program also provides experienced auditors from other sectors a pathway into forestry, or for auditors already in the sector, the opportunity to upskill.
To encourage industry participation, Responsible Wood is sponsoring 15 places in the program.
“Forest certification gives businesses a credible way to demonstrate responsible forest management and meet market expectations,” said Responsible Wood Acting CEO, Matt de Jongh.
“By investing in auditing capability, our goal is to continue reinforcing the integrity of sustainable forest management practices, to equip businesses with additional skills to maintain their certification and to ensure forests are responsibly managed for generations to come.”
The program combines Responsible Wood’s expertise in sustainable forest management certification with JASANZ’s expertise in accreditation and conformity assessment, delivered via online learning, mentoring and field trip opportunities, and is recognised by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as initial training for forest management auditors.
JASANZ CEO Sarah Valentine said the partnership was an investment in market confidence.
“Accredited certification is part of the infrastructure of trade. It gives businesses a way to show their products and practices meet the standards their markets expect.
“Our partnership with Responsible Wood is a long-term commitment to forestry and the trade it supports,” Ms Valentine said.
A reflection of growing adoption of PEFC certification in New Zealand, the program offers an exciting opportunity to build capability for the trans-Tasman forestry sector.
“The program builds on existing capability in the region, complementing sustainable forestry practices with on the ground support from JASANZ technical assessors alongside PEFC New Zealand,” said PEFC International’s South Pacific Programme Manager, Richard Laity.
“While the program was designed for Australian and New Zealand audiences, it remains open to forestry and conformity assessment professionals from other regions.”
The program runs from April to July 2027. Sessions will be delivered by specialists from Responsible Wood, JASANZ and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – potential applicants are encouraged to explore the program for more detailed information, click here.
MAIN PIC: PEFC International’s Richard Laity (top right) meeting with JASANZ’ Simon Bannock (top left), Caroline Bell-Singh (bottom left), Tatiana Bridova (bottom right) and technical consultant Kevin Reardon (on screen) in Wellington for a program planning session. Image: Responsible Wood
