August 18, 2015
Cut forestry contracts the final straw
Cut forestry contracts the final straw
The township of Murupara is in shock after many who have trucked logs out of the Kaingaroa forest for decades have been cut out of contracts in favour of the work being given to outsiders.
Ngati Manawa leader Pem Bird says out of the blue Kaingaroa Timberlands which is the preferred contractor has cut the local's out in a move which will destroy settlements like Murupara.
"Since 1985 when Rogernomics kicked in and privatised everything we have been on the receiving end. It's just blow after blow after blow. This is like the final straw. How much more of this can we take ? We can't take much of this anymore" he says.
He says Maori forestry interests from around the country are pledging their support for the locals some who have been carting logs out of the forest for more than 30 years.
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