Facilitator appointed in clash over slash in Gisborne
The government has told Gisborne District Council its approach to the forestry industry over managing slash and sediment is too tough.
The Gisborne District Council faced criticism from the government over its approach to managing forestry slash and sediment. The council's efforts to introduce new rules to address the issue were halted because the government preferred to develop plans under the new resource management system. Forestry Minister Todd McClay appointed a facilitator, Doug Leeder, to work with the council, industry, and iwi to reset their relationship.
Leeder, a former chair of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, will provide advice directly to the minister on what is needed. The minister acknowledged the growing concern within the forestry sector about the council's approach to land use change and enforcement orders on wood debris and sediment management. Stronger compliance measures are necessary but must be workable, proportionate, and not undermine progress towards land transition.
The forestry industry welcomed the appointment of Leeder, emphasizing the need for decision-making that recognizes where land use must change while allowing forestry to continue on appropriate lands. Ngāti Porou Forests chairman Whaimutu Dewes stressed the long-term consequences of land use decisions on iwi landowners and communities, highlighting the responsibility to protect the whenua for future generations while creating opportunities for their people.
Forestry supports whānau by providing employment and income from the land, contributing to community sustainability.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
