Latest news with #ThatcherSwann
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
