The New Zealand government is backing a comprehensive package of action around land use in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa, according to Environment Minister David Parker and Forestry Minister Peeni Henare. Source: Timberbiz
The package supports the findings of the Ministerial Inquiry into the devastating East Coast weather events of 2023.
“We’re committed to change based on this report,” David Parker said. “Each of the report’s recommendations was carefully considered, and we are firmly focussed on reducing risk and setting this region up for sustainable longer-term change.
“Our response has two phases: immediate actions, then building resilience,” Mr Parker said.
Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said phase one includes action to remove woody debris, as well as work to understand how best to ramp up efforts to remove woody debris that’s at risk of further damaging downstream infrastructure for the longer term.
“The Government has already made NZ$10.15 million in funding available to enable the clean-up of up to 70,000 tonnes of slash. An initial NZ$3.54 million of the fund has been distributed to councils across Tairāwhiti and the Hawke’s Bay to commence clean-up operations, with a further NZ$2 million being administered through Te Puni Kōkiri directly for whenua Māori.
“The NZ$10.15m is a start. But it’s clear more needs to be done to address the problem of woody debris and manage the risks to life, assets, and the environment.
“Other Government assistance for cyclone-related recovery in the region includes NZ$202 million for silt and debris removal in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti (see below for more details) and NZ$205 million for immediate roading repairs in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa announced this week.
“Communities want this prioritised. We need to reach a shared view of the size of the problem, actions to take and how the response should be paid for,” Mr Henare said.
The government will progress improvements around forestry management, responding to the Inquiry’s recommendations related to harvesting practices.
“Responsibility for more active controls on forestry harvesting in the region rests with the Gisborne District Council, through specific measures in its regional plan that it is now updating,” Mr Parker said.
“This is why we are helping the Council by providing a statutory resource management advisor, so it can more quickly develop new resource management measures that are fit for purpose. This is not a reflection on the council rather, it recognises the scale of the task that it faces.”
Alongside the advisor, the government will also appoint a facilitator to build partnerships, including with the forestry industry, landowners and Māori interests, to support an integrated approach to the recovery.
“Further, the Government is updating forestry management standards at the national level. This will include national guidance on forestry slash risk management and addressing risks of slope failure and slash mobilisation. This will assist the Council in updating its plan.
“We’ve met regularly with the forestry industry and Māori with an interest in forestry,” Mr Henare said. “They are also committed to change and are actively working with central and local government to reduce known risks.
“Again, we recognise and thank the Ministerial Inquiry for their carefully considered report. We are committed to taking meaningful action in response,” David Parker said.
Ministers Parker and Henare will report to Cabinet by the end of the year on initial delivery of the response.
The New Zealand government initiated a ministerial inquiry in March this year, in response to damage suffered by people and communities during Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. The panel, chaired by Hon Hekia Parata, presented its report and recommendations to ministers on 12 May 2023.
Alongside developing and confirming the two-phased approach, the Government has considered and responded to each of the Inquiry’s recommendations. Eight of the 49 recommendations are not being progressed.
