Source: New Zealand Government
The Government will provide one-off funding to Gisborne District Council to build capacity and speed up forestry harvest consents, so crews can get back to work this season, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says.
“Harvesting in the region has dropped sharply. That hits the contract crews who employ local people, and it flows through to truck drivers, engineering workshops, sawmills and the port,” Mr McClay says.
“We want crews back in the forests this season. By working with council to clear the consents already in the system and get new ones through in time, we can get logs moving again and keep those local jobs going.”
The funding will provide for an intensive 12-week programme to work through harvest consents already lodged with council, as well as new consents for the current season. It is expected to help progress about 600 hectares of harvesting now waiting on a decision.
Council will use it to bring in extra specialist help, including experienced forestry practitioners and consenting professionals, to speed up assessments and set practical consent conditions.
“This is about working with council to give the sector certainty. Where an application can go ahead safely and responsibly, it should. Good, practical conditions also mean better environmental outcomes on the ground, and a quicker path for decisions in future.”
The support is one of the first steps from the initial recommendations of Ministerial Facilitator Doug Leeder on land-use transition in Tairāwhiti.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of local MP Dana Kirkpatrick. She has advocated tirelessly to protect these local jobs and has kept the needs of forestry workers and their families in front of the Government.”
“We’ll keep working closely with council so crews, contractors and the businesses that rely on them have the certainty they need.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/13/government-and-council-work-together-to-support-tairawhiti-forestry-jobs/