Constitutional amendments
Three special resolutions relating to constitutional amendments were passed by members. The amendments introduced formal definitions for Australian and New Zealand members, updated membership arrangements by establishing National and International membership classes and associated eligibility requirements, and amended board composition provisions to support Australian and New Zealand representation across the three chambers.
In practice, this reflects Australian members’ support for proposed cross-Tasman governance arrangements. However, the final decision regarding New Zealand governance remains contingent on a vote by New Zealand-based members.
Board Director appointments and departures
This year’s AGM marked both a returning and a new appointment to the FSC ANZ Board.
We congratulate Nicky Moffat on her re-appointment to the Board in the Environmental Chamber and thank her for her continued dedication to FSC ANZ.
FSC ANZ also warmly welcomes Patrick Anderson as a newly appointed Director. Patrick has been involved with FSC since its founding, representing Greenpeace International at the organisation’s inaugural meeting in 1994, and brings more than three decades of experience in forest governance, human rights and environmental advocacy. We look forward to the expertise and perspective he will bring to the Board. Find out more about Patrick here.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Rachael Cavanagh, who concluded her tenure on the Board earlier this year, recognising her valued contribution and service to FSC ANZ.
Post-AGM program highlights
With strong participation, the day highlighted several important developments for FSC in the region. Members heard updates on the revision of the Australian Forest Stewardship Standard, which is now in its second and final round of public consultation. We also reflected on a year of engagement, including FSC Forest Walk events held across Australia and New Zealand, which brought stakeholders together to see responsible forest management in practice. The continued growth of our promotional licence holder program was another highlight, with leading businesses across Australia helping promote FSC-certified products and strengthen awareness of responsible forestry.
The program continued with presentations from Rayne van den Berg, Founder of Value Australia, who outlined progress and next steps from the Global Forestry Natural Capital Project; Michelle Wong, Deputy Regional Director, FSC Asia Pacific, who provided an update on FSC Trace; and Tolita Davis-Angeles, who spoke to the First Nations Committee’s work and future direction.
Grounded in collaboration and member participation, the AGM once again reinforced the importance of member engagement in shaping the direction of FSC ANZ. We thank all members for their continued commitment to advancing responsible forest management across Australia and New Zealand, and look forward to building on this work together in the year ahead.