Launch of the new NZ forestry ACOP

After months of collaboration and input from forest owners, contractors and forest industry leaders, the revised Forestry Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) will be formally launched on Tuesday 26 August in Palmerston North.

The new ACOP has been significantly updated from the 2012 version to align with the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA), shifting from a prescriptive rule-based format to a risk-based approach. It also clarifies how safety responsibilities are shared across the sector using familiar Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) concepts.

The launch event, a Spotlight on Safety, can be attended by anyone in the forest growing industry; especially contractors, forest owners and managers and industry stakeholders involved in safety, training and operational leadership. Forest owners are also encouraged to invite their harvesting and silviculture crews.

The ACOP launch marks an important milestone in forestry’s health and safety journey. Input from those working on the ground and dealing with these challenges every day will be vital for its success.

What to expect:

• Official launch of the revised Forestry Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) – 3pm
• Keynote address from Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden
• Launch of the new Best Practice Guidelines for Health and Safety in Small Forests
• Introduction of the concept of a Forest Industry Health & Safety Charter
• Networking event

When: Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Time: 3.00 – 4.00pm (launch event), followed by networking event, 4.00 – 6.00pm
Where: Orlando Country Club, 748 Rangitikei Line, Newbury, Palmerston North.

Please register via the FICA website to assist with planning and catering.

The event is a collaborative effort delivered by the Forest Industry Safety Council, Forest Industry Contractors Association, the NZFOA, the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association and WorkSafe.

Source: NZ Forest Owners Association (FOA)