Forestry contractors have been actively engaged in recent Government initiatives aimed at addressing forestry consenting, compliance and land use issues in Tairāwhiti, ensuring the practical realities faced by contractors are part of the discussion. Representatives from the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) and local contractors recently met with the Independent Assurance Review Panel chaired by Hon Chris Finlayson KC, as well as with Doug Leeder, who has been appointed by Government to facilitate discussions across the sector.
The appointment of Chris Finlayson to lead the review of Gisborne District Council's forestry consenting and compliance functions and the appointment of Doug Leeder as Government facilitator signal the importance being placed on finding practical solutions for Tairāwhiti. Contractors welcomed the opportunity to provide direct input to both processes and share their experience from operating on the ground.
FICA coordinated contractor participation and prepared a submission outlining key issues including the need for regulation to be proportionate to risk, consent conditions to be practical and achievable, accountability to reflect matters within reasonable control, and the importance of maintaining a viable contractor workforce if environmental and land-use objectives are to be achieved.
Feedback from those involved in the meetings was overwhelmingly positive. Contractors appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with decision-makers and were encouraged by the willingness of both Chris Finlayson and Doug Leeder to listen to the challenges facing the sector. Importantly, discussions focused on finding solutions rather than assigning blame, recognising that contractors, forest owners, regulators and communities all have a shared interest in achieving better environmental, social and economic outcomes for the region.
FICA would also like to acknowledge and thank Kim Cranswick, who generously made his boardroom available for the contractor meeting with Doug Leeder. Having a local venue allowed contractors to meet directly with the Government-appointed facilitator and ensure their perspectives were heard firsthand.
While these meetings are an important step, the work continues. FICA remains actively involved through the Gisborne Advocacy Coordination Group, which meets weekly and brings together forestry stakeholders to work collaboratively on solutions for the region. FICA will continue advocating on behalf of contractors and ensuring their voice remains part of discussions that will shape the future of forestry in Tairāwhiti.
As these processes progress, FICA's focus remains clear: supporting practical, evidence-based approaches that deliver environmental outcomes while maintaining safe, sustainable and financially viable contracting businesses that continue to underpin the forestry sector and local communities.
