July 08, 2014
Rule change for East Coast forest scheme
The Government is planning changes to the East Coast Forestry Project to encourage more planting on Maori land.
Forestry Minister Jo Goodhew told the New Zealand Institute of Forestry Conference yesterday that the uptake of the project on Maori land has been low.
She says changes to be introduced next month will reduce unnecessary requirements and improve administration for both landowners and the Crown.
She says the changes are important to delivering on the relationship accord between the Crown and Ngati Porou signed 23 April.
Soil erosion and its impact on waterways remains a serious concern for Ngati Porou.
Ms Goodhew says officials are working collaboratively with forest owners, councils and environmental groups to iron out planning inconsistencies and simplify planning rules.
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