May 28, 2019
Forest job loss claims checked
Forestry Minister Shane Jones says he’s listening to the concerns of provincial leaders and iwi concerned about pastoral farms being converted to forests.
Wairoa mayor Craig Little backed by Ngāti Kahunugunu has claimed more than 10,000 hectares of sheep and beef farmland in the area is being planted in pines, which will mean fewer farming jobs.
Mr Jones says he has asked his officials to dig into the claims and indicate if any changes are needed to policy settings.
"I’m conscious that Māori, we're not in a position to sell our land. We've got to use our land and gift it to the next generation, but our Pākeha neighbours, once their time is over, many are just selling. A few are selling to international buyers for forestry, most of them are selling to business men and women in Auckland or other parts of New Zealand but the key point is, I will ensure that the forestry kaupapa, the billion trees, does not lead to inordinate disruption to our Māori communities in and around places such as Wairoa," he says.
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