February 24, 2023
Inquiry into forest slash as social licence lost
Former forestry minister Shane Jones says forest harvest practices must change as a result of the damage done by forestry slash during extreme weather events.
The New Zealand First politician says the pressure must go on forest owners, who are now largely foreign investors taking advantage of overly permissive regulations.
He says weather and soil type, especially in areas like Tairawhiti, means that can’t continue.
“There is an answer. It’s going to require the owners of trees to invest in using more of the tree and there could be a role for govenment to help them in that transition but I think the social licence the forestry industry has enjoyed, certainly in the Tairawhiti area, it’s no longer just up for debate. I think it’s over,” Mr Jones says.
Meanwhile, former National former government minister and Gisborne resident Hekia Parata has been tapped to chair a ministerial inquiry into land use causing woody debris, including forestry slash, and sediment-related damage in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa.
She will be joined by former regional council chief executive Bill Bayfield, and forestry engineer Matthew McCloy for the two month inquiry, which aims to address the impacts of weather events such as cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.
Forestry Minister Stuart Nash says more than 10,000 people in Tairāwhiti have petitioned for land use to be better managed.