Latest news with #ThatcherSwann
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Tairāwhiti Sets Regional Benchmark With New Land Transition Guidelines
Today marks a strong step toward protecting our whenua and supporting sustainable land use with the launch of Transition Guidelines for Sustainable Land Use developed by the Transition Advisory Group (TAG). The guidelines are a result of months of collaboration by the TAG – a locally led, cross-sector group made up of farmers, Māori landowners, forestry representatives, those with environmental interests and experts from Gisborne District Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries. TAG was set up in 2024 to develop guidelines for transitioning erosion-prone land into permanent vegetation cover. The group is a direct response to the long-term erosion and land management challenges identified in the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use. Gisborne District Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says TAG has delivered essential work to determine local solutions for our region's unique land issues. 'The group has done an outstanding job bringing together a range of perspectives to co-design a tool that's practical, grounded in local expertise and future focused.' 'This work isn't about quick fixes. It's about setting a foundation for long-term change that reflects the needs of our whenua, economy and communities.' Ms Thatcher Swann says keeping a wide range of voices around the table will continue to be key as the guidelines are rolled out. 'The guidelines are a shared achievement, created through open and sometimes difficult conversations across sectors. That kind of collaboration is crucial if we want meaningful long-term progress.' Eastland Wood Council chair Julian Kohn said the region's challenges have been built over decades—and will take just as long to fix. 'We support the land use transition principle,' he said. 'But it's important for our community to understand that the proposed land use changes are among the most significant the forestry sector has faced in 40 years. 'These proposed changes have serious implications for the viability of forestry in our district and are deterring future investment in Tairāwhiti. 'Forestry is deeply embedded in our region's economy, social fabric, and environmental management. 'We value having some forest industry members at the TAG table and would welcome additional expertise to ensure these changes are implemented in a way that works for everyone.' Dan Jex-Blake, TAG member representing farming interests, says the responsibility to act now lies within this generation. 'Cyclone Gabrielle gave us all a salutary reminder of the fragility of some of our landscapes and the enormous damage that our more highly erodible land can do when it enters our waterways.' 'The repercussions of this are that the damage and cost is not shared by just the landowner alone, but by all those who live downstream – our highly valuable flats, infrastructure, waterways, ocean and the businesses and communities that they support.' 'As a landowner with an intergenerational perspective and who is kaitiaki of some of that sensitive land, I firmly believe that it is beholden upon us to do the right thing and embrace the challenge of protecting this land so that generations to come are not continually left to pick up the cost and question why did their forebears not address this issue, when nature was so pointedly calling for change.' Sam Rowland, General Manager for the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre, says the guidelines are a starting point for wider impact. 'These guidelines are a starting point for lasting community impact, driven by many sectors collaborating to heal Tairāwhiti's economy, livelihoods and ecosystems. While progress has been made, there is still more work ahead to refine these guidelines and ensure they truly serve our community's long-term well-being.' Hilton Collier, Director of Tairāwhiti Whenua Collective, emphasises the need for balance in how land is managed. 'As kaitiaki, we take a long-term view of sustainable land use. We understand the relationship between whānau and whenua and the need to look after both in a much more balanced way. We must transition land use over time to ensure we achieve a more stable landscape and reduce the harm current practices have on our rohenga.' The focus now shifts to sharing the guidelines with communities and supporting landowners to begin planning and implementation. TAG is continuing to work on developing a regional business case and delivery plan to seek government funding and other investment. The aim is to support landowners with transition costs and enable long-term change.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Forestry Plan Change To Be Integrated
Press Release – Gisborne District Council The outcome of those changes will determine whether Council can introduce stronger rules to manage forestry activities. 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.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Forestry Plan Change To Be Integrated
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
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Forestry Consent Conditions Mark Major Step Forward For Sustainable Land Use In Tairāwhiti
Press Release – Gisborne District Council Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says the conditions strike a careful balance between enabling the forestry sector and protecting the environment. 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.' '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. 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. Council will also remain responsive to emerging scientific data and insights, ensuring our approach continues to evolve in line with the latest environmental research and best practice. Ms Thatcher Swann 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.' 'This collaboration has resulted in meaningful progress toward finding common ground and setting a clear path forward.' While some differing views remain, Council is 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,' concluded Ms Thatcher Swann. To view the new forestry consent conditions, visit
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Forestry Consent Conditions Mark Major Step Forward For Sustainable Land Use In Tairāwhiti
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.' '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. 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. Council will also remain responsive to emerging scientific data and insights, ensuring our approach continues to evolve in line with the latest environmental research and best practice. Ms Thatcher Swann 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.' 'This collaboration has resulted in meaningful progress toward finding common ground and setting a clear path forward.' While some differing views remain, Council is 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,' concluded Ms Thatcher Swann. To view the new forestry consent conditions, visit
