Rotorua forest industry consultant Don Hammond is the new chairperson of STIMBR – Stakeholders In Methyl Bromide Reduction.

STIMBR, funded by a voluntary levy based on usage of fumigant gases methyl bromide and phosphine, is leading a multi-pronged research strategy to find alternative phytosanitary treatments for exported logs and timber products. The New Zealand EPA will not permit the discharge of spent methyl bromide to the atmosphere following fumigations beyond 2020 as methyl bromide is an ozone destroying product.

Announcing Mr Hammond's appointment, Board member and Levy Payers Subcommittee Chairman Peter Hill said Don's successful career in forest science and biosecurity as a practitioner, project leader, researcher and tutor made him an ideal choice for the role of STIMBR chairman. 

"Forest and horticultural industry biosecurity is critical for New Zealand, as we strive to keep unwanted organisms out and to meet the importing country phytosanitary requirements of our forest and horticultural exports. It is important that we are able to meet the EPA requirement for methyl bromide use, and the 2020 deadline is looming.

"Industry leadership over the next few years is critical to New Zealand being able to continue to meet market requirements for our logs, timber products and horticultural produce."

Hammond is STIMBR's first chairperson under its new constitution, which was adopted on 1 January 2014.

"Don will be able to provide great support for STIMBR's executive officer and research director Ian Gear, allowing Ian to focus on managing relationships with research providers, forest industry organisations and government agencies," Peter Hill says.

Source: STIMBR media release. For more information please contact STIMBR executive officer Ian Gear, Tel 021 988 646