Government actions East Coast land use reportFriday 4 Aug 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,” David 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. 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,” David 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,” Peeni 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. More >> In response to the announcement, the Eastland Wood Council welcomed the Government announcement and is committed to continuing industry efforts to restore social license. Read more However, some East Coast locals stormed out of the announcement, upset at a perceived lack of urgent action. Read more | ||
Copyright 2004-2024 © Innovatek Ltd. All rights reserved. |