Gisborne District Council has reached a major milestone with the introduction of new standard forestry consent conditions, developed after more than a year of collaboration and consultation with industry stakeholders.
The new conditions, which respond directly to the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use, represent a significant step forward in advancing sustainable land management in the region.
Council Chief Executive, Nedine Thatcher Swann says the conditions strike a careful balance between enabling the forestry sector and protecting the environment.
“These conditions are an important step toward providing certainty to the forestry sector and meeting our environmental obligations,” said Ms Swann.
“This marks a key moment in our commitment to a more sustainable future for Tairāwhiti.”
The conditions represent Council’s interim position and will guide decision making on forestry resource consent applications on a case-to-case basis, she said. They form part of a wider programme of work, with Council continuing to develop a more integrated and holistic approach through its forestry plan change.
Ms Thatcher Swann said Council will also remain responsive to emerging scientific data and insights, ensuring its approach continues to evolve in line with the latest environmental research and best practice.
The Chief Executive acknowledged the constructive partnership with the forestry sector in shaping the new conditions.
“Both Council and the forestry industry have dedicated significant time and effort to develop these new consent conditions,” she said.
“This collaboration has resulted in meaningful progress toward finding common ground and setting a clear path forward.”
While some differing views remain, Ms Thatcher Swann said Council was confident that these new consent conditions provide a solid foundation for ongoing collaboration.
“Our goal is to continue improving and working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for both the environment and the local economy,” she said.
To view the new forestry consent conditions, visit gdc.govt.nz.
