The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA), Eastland Wood Council (EWC), Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) and Ngāti Porou Forests have jointly backed the Government’s decision to appoint Doug Leeder as an independent facilitator to support land transition and long-term forestry management in Tairāwhiti.
NZFOA Chief Executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the appointment provides an opportunity to make progress on difficult questions around land use, woody debris and forestry-related environmental issues.
“Forestry wants a system that protects the environment while allowing businesses to keep investing and operating responsibly in the region," Elizabeth says.
"Tairāwhiti needs to see decision-making that recognises where land use has to change, while allowing forestry to continue on land where it remains appropriate."
"Bringing Government, Gisborne District Council, iwi, communities and industry together with an independent facilitator gives us a practical way to work through those issues.”
Eastland Wood Council Chairman Julian Kohn says decisions about forestry have consequences for everyone living in Tairāwhiti.
“NZIER research has shown forestry accounts for 7.9 per cent of Tairāwhiti’s GDP, the highest proportional contribution of any region in New Zealand. Around $295 million per year is added to the regional economy through forestry and logging, support services and wood processing."
"We want environmental issues addressed, but the decisions made through this process also have to recognise the scale of forestry’s contribution to Tairāwhiti and the communities that depend on it.”
Ngāti Porou Forests Chairman Whaimutu Dewes says decisions about land use have long-term consequences for iwi landowners and communities.
“For iwi landowners, there is a responsibility to look after the whenua for generations to come but also to create opportunities for our people today. Forestry supports whānau by generating employment and providing income from whenua to sustain our communities."
"Bringing iwi, communities, Government, Council and industry together gives us a better chance of making decisions that achieve both.”
Forest Industry Contractors Association Chief Executive Rowan Struthers says contractors and forestry workers will bring an important operational perspective to the process.
“Decisions about forestry directly affect crews, trucking companies, machinery operators and local businesses."
"Our members want high environmental standards and clear expectations, but those expectations also have to work on the ground."
"The experience of the people carrying out harvesting and other forestry work will be important as practical solutions are developed.”
