Government is trying to help, says forest council

By PAM GRAHAM


The New Zealand Forest Industries Council is distancing itself from criticism of the Government by Timber Industry Federation chief Wayne Coffey last month.

Coffey told economic development minister Jim Anderton to get his fingers out of his ears and listen to business.

Council chief executive officer Stephen Jacobi said that Coffey's comments were profoundly unhelpful.

The industry was working with the Government in the Wood Processing Strategy and a separate Forest Industry Framework Agreement.

"Obviously the industry would be better served by a forum that had everyone involved," Jacobi said.

He denied that the council was dominated by Carter Holt Harvey, saying it had 18 core members.