Feb 10, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation is calling for an immediate freeze on all local and central government charges because of the economic downturn, National Business Review reported. The proposed changes to the Resource Management Act were appreciated and an immediate freeze on local and central government charges would be a welcome next step, said executive director Wayne Coffey. "If exporter prices are falling by up to 50% how fair is it for central and local government to be loading cost increases onto the sector," Mr Coffey said. He said that central and local government should show real leadership by assisting exporters to compete in world markets.