How to progress Council’s forestry plan changes given ongoing uncertainty around the Government’s proposed changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) was endorsed at the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan Committee on 30 April.

The outcome of those changes will determine whether Council can introduce stronger rules to manage forestry activities.

The committee agreed to bring together the forestry plan change work with other related workstreams, including the new ‘Transition Land’ overlay and farm/forestry planning.

Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann said it was important to take a thorough and joined-up approach.

“Aligning with the freshwater planning work gives us a more cohesive and effective regional solution,” she said.

“We know delays are frustrating, but it’s important we take the time to do this properly.”

“Waiting for national direction where necessary helps avoid costly rework and ensures we’re building something that lasts.”

The need to improve forestry management across Tairāwhiti is well recognised, particularly following severe erosion and slash damage from Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. These events, combined with strong community concern and the findings of the Government’s Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use, have shaped Council’s focus on strengthening environmental protections and reducing long-term risk.

Since 2023, Council has been actively working on a transition to more sustainable land use and responding to the Inquiry’s recommendations. Progress so far includes:

• Drafting policies and rules under the freshwater provisions
• Commissioning supporting technical work
• Establishing a cross-sector Transition Advisory Group (TAG)
• Completing a landslide susceptibility model with Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research to inform the ‘Transition Land’ overlay
• Advancing freshwater catchment planning
• Developing new forestry consent conditions
• Exploring integrated farm and forestry planning

This work will continue alongside freshwater planning, with pre-notification engagement scheduled for mid-2026. Stakeholders and the community will have opportunities to provide feedback ahead of formal notification.

Ms Thatcher Swann said Council would continue adjusting its approach as national direction becomes clearer.

“We’ll keep working with our communities to shape a practical, locally relevant plan that reflects the realities of Tairāwhiti.”

In the meantime, Council has rolled out new forestry consent conditions to provide greater environmental safeguards. These are already in place while the broader planning framework is developed.

For more information and updates, visit gdc.govt.nz.

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