February 28, 2023
Forestry workers need voice in slash inquiry
An organisation campaigning for safer work conditions in the forestry industry wants forestry workers at the table in the ministerial inquiry into slash and land use on the East Coast.
Candice Gate from the Tāngata Humāria Charitable Trust says science and economics is important, but so to is the wellbeing of people and place.
“Industry has got a lot to say, The ministers have got a lot to say. Communities are getting a bit of a voice in there. The voice that is missing are our kaimahi and they are the experts at what they do, they are intelligent, they are innovative. They deserve a seat around that table to have and active input into what their future looks like in our region,” she says.
Ms Gate says forestry workers are bearing the brunt of community disdain and anger at the industry, even though they have had no input into the poor decision-making and leadership of the past..
Gisborne resident and former National minister Hekia Parata has been asked to lead the two month inquiry into land use causing woody debris, including forestry slash, and sediment-related damage in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa, with the other panel members being former regional council chief executive Bill Bayfield and forestry engineer Matthew McCloy.