FICA hosted a number of GDC Councillors at Stirling Logging in forest near Wharerata (located just in the Hawkes Bay) this month. There was good engagement with the Councillors, who seemed sympathetic to forestry.
Key messages were
Forestry is a significant contributor to the economy in Tairawhiti
Forestry employees are highly skilled people that are well paid
Under the current NES CF rules, contractors are pulling a lot of unmerchantable volume that poses little risk
There is considerable difference in consenting performance between GDC (12 months) and HB (2 to 4 months)
Thanks to Gavin, Chrystal and the crew for hosting and to FMNZ and Aratu for allowing access to their forests.
