'Lock the gate': Forestry leaders say Gisborne plantations could be left unmanaged

'Lock the gate': Forestry leaders say Gisborne plantations could be left unmanaged

Gisborne forestry companies have halted harvesting as complex consent conditions make it difficult to operate or convert land use, industry leaders say....

Government’s Gisborne approach defies logic

Reading Time: 3 minutes The appointment of Doug Leeder as “forestry facilitator” in Tairāwhiti Gisborne shows a government that is out of touch. Forestry Minister Todd McClay told us that the appointment was made to “reset” a “fractured relationship” between foresters, iwi, other stakeholders and the Gisborne District Council.    While I agree with the minister that a reset is needed, and much as I respect Doug Leeder, the government appointment…