Inquiry into Tairāwhiti forestry slash launched after cyclone

February 23, 2023
Forestry slash knocks out Hikuwai Bridge, north of Tolaga Bay, after Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Government will launch an inquiry into forestry slash in Tairāwhiti after the region was devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Slash is wood debris left behind after harvest and is dangerous as it can clog waterways with the potential to take out infrastructure.

Gisborne and Wairoa have been particularly affected by slash, with rivers blocked and bridges destroyed.

The inquiry will look into past and current land-use practices as well as evaluate the impact of woody debris, forestry slash and sediment on communities.

Forestry Minister Stuart Nash said the two-month-long inquiry will help address the effects of extreme weather events.

"Woody debris and sediment are particular issues for these communities following storms.

"More than 10,000 people in Tairāwhiti have petitioned for land use to be better managed. This inquiry is responding to these very real concerns," Nash said.

The PM has announced an inquiry into land use and forestry slash in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay. (Source: 1News)

Authorities will investigate storm damage and its causes, current practices and regulatory and policy setting.

The inquiry aims to make recommendations to improve land use, change practices, and regulate the industry at a local and national level.

People in communities affected by slash will also be invited to provide feedback to the panel.

Parker said decisions on prosecutions will be made by local councils under the Resource Management Act.

The Government will also increase the maximum fine for poor forestry harvesting and management.

An infringement for natural persons will range from $300,000 to $1 million and $600,000 to $10 million for companies.

They are also proposing that insurance doesn't pay for prosecution fines.

The inquiry's panel will be made up of Gisborne resident Hon Hekia Parata, former regional council chief executive Bill Bayfield and forestry engineer Matthew McCloy.

National question lack of urgency around earlier reviews

National's spokesperson for forestry Joseph Mooney is questioning why Labour didn't act on earlier slash reviews.

"Despite declaring a climate emergency and receiving warnings about the impact of forestry slash in extreme weather, the Labour government has done nothing in response. Communities affected by forestry slash need action," Mooney said.

"National supports an investigation if it leads to better management of slash. Forestry is an important contributor to the New Zealand economy, especially in regional areas."

Greens call for more action from forestry sector

The Green Party said it welcomes the announcement of an inquiry but claimed more needs to be done.

Greens forestry and environment spokesperson Eugenie Sage said the forestry sector should have to compensate councils, landowners and communities for the enormous damage caused by land and logging management.

Sage there needs to be a coordinated and just transition to support the region, iwi, hapu and Māori landowners move to sustainable land uses while supporting those employed in, and dependent on, the industry.

"We simply cannot let things continue as they are. The Government needs to act to ensure that people and communities, rivers, land and beaches are not having to bear the costs of an industry which is 70% overseas owned."

Inquiry will shape future of forestry - EWC

Eastland Wood Council chief executive Phillip Hope said it supported the need for an inquiry prior to Cyclone Gabrielle and had been working to establish an independent review.

"We welcome this announcement, which provides a really clear path forward for the conversations we need to have about the future of forestry and all land-use in Tairāwhiti. We welcome the Government's commitment to work with our community and sector."

Inquiry will give community certainty - Gisborne District Council

Gisborne District Council said it's relieved with the launch of an inquiry.

Chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann said the review is the only way the region can get answers.

"It had to be independent, and we thank the Government for listening. The knowledge and information gained through this inquiry will form the foundation for our region to move forward with sustainable practices on our whenua."

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