March 2021

Changes to transmissions of interest for Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) participants

New provisions for forestry in the ETS came into effect on 1 January 2021

Where the landowner is the current ETS participant, the transfer of ETS participation following the granting of a forestry right or lease now requires opting in for the participation to be transferred to the forestry right holder or lessee. ETS participation only transfers from the landowner to the forestry right holder or lessee if they both agree to this.

Participants must opt in before the forestry right or lease is registered on the land title. To do this:

• both parties must agree in writing (for example, as part of the forestry right or lease agreement), and
• the landowner must notify Te Uru Rākau in writing (using the opt in form).

Once the forestry right or lease has been registered:

• the landowner (the current participant, as transferor) and the forestry right holder or lessee (the new participant, as transferee) must complete a Transfer of Participation form within 20 working days, and
• the transferor must complete an emissions return within 20 working days.

This is the same as the requirements for all transmissions of interest.

If Te Uru Rākau is not notified that the forestry right holder or lessee wishes to become the ETS participant before the forestry right or lease is registered on the land title, the ETS participation, including all associated obligations, will remain with the landowner.

New guidance document available on the Te Uru Rākau website

Supplying information to support your post-1989 registration application

Land can only enter the ETS if Te Uru Rākau can verify the species, density, location, and age of your forest. To do this we need you to provide good information such as photos and videos.

A new guidance document is available on the Te Uru Rākau website (see here) which outlines what kind of information you should supply alongside your application to enter post-1989 forest land in the ETS.

Cheques are being removed as a payment option for all ETS applications

As cheques are being phased out across New Zealand, from 25 June 2021 Te Uru Rākau will no longer accept payments by cheque.

The alternative payment options for ETS applications are:

• electronic through internet banking
• credit card using the payment link at www.mpi.govt.nz/ets
• credit card online through the Climate Change Information System, which can be logged into at climatechange@maf.govt.nz.

Details of these payment methods can be found at the bottom of all ETS application forms.

If you need help using alternative payment methods for ETS applications, contact the ETS Forestry Contact Centre for assistance – email climatechange@mpi.govt.nz or phone 0800 254 6283 (option 2) or contact your bank.

This information is guidance only and is not a substitute for, or in any way an alteration to, New Zealand law, or other official requirements. It does not constitute legal advice, and users should seek advice from qualified professionals before taking any action based on this information.