Exceptional efforts by New Zealand forester rewarded

14 January 2016 News

“PEFC is delighted that Dr. Andrew McEwen has received an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours' List for services to forestry,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International.

Dr. McEwen is the Chairman of the New Zealand Forestry Certification Association - the PEFC National member for New Zealand, which recently achieved the PEFC endorsement of its national forest certification system.

“Andrew has made a vast contribution to our sector over his professional career,” said Mr. Brian Stanley, Chair of the Wood Council of New Zealand, the peak body representing forest growers, forestry contractors, wood processors and manufacturers. “His retirement has not stopped him and he continues to actively support the sector in a voluntary capacity through his involvement in a wide variety of activities.”

“Exceptional foresight in the name of the game in forestry and, throughout his career Andrew has shown this quality. Official recognition of this will, I hope, inspire others to follow in his footsteps and help lead New Zealand towards a much more sustainable future,” concluded Mr. Stanley.

“Andrew has worked tirelessly to promote the benefits of forestry for all of New Zealand,” says President of New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) James Treadwell.

“Throughout his career Andrew has informed and promoted the direct and wider benefits of all forms of forestry. He has long championed the need for better scientific understanding and professional management of the role of forestry, whether for conservation and biodiversity values of native forests or as plantation-sourced climate friendly and renewable fuel, packaging or building materials,” Mr. Treadwell continued.

The New Zealand Order of Merit

The New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM) is awarded to people who have served the Crown or country with merit, or become distinguished in any field. It was established in 1996 to replace the British state honours that were still being used to pay tribute to New Zealanders at that time.