Aratu Forests News Today

Two Gisborne forestry companies have lost their sustainability certifications within two months.

An international forestry auditor has spoken out about a visit to the slash-damaged East Coast region last year.

Guy Trafford says although an El Niño drought in northern and eastern areas is not yet here, there is much already here to worry livestock farmers

A Tairāwhiti resident says her home would not have flooded if it wasn't for a sea of logs that blocked a nearby river during heavy rain.

A forestry company responsible for destructive flooding during a storm event near Gisborne in 2018 has been ordered to pay $355,000.
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Wairoa Mayor Craig Little. Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin But many people in Gisborne and Wairoa say the industry is damaging their pristine environment and ruining communities. In Tolaga Bay, a small town of about 800 people nearly an hour north of Gisborne, one end of the beach near the famous wharf is almost clear and sandy, with only a touch of wood nearby. But at the other end, piles of battered and bruised logs still sit. Diggers are still beside the beach, with caution tape and keep out sign...

Slash strewn over the Uawa River mouth in Tolaga Bay. Photo: Supplied After years of discussions, its hoped a native planting project announced by the areas largest forestry operation will help protect homes, waterways and coastlines. Aratu Forests, one of New Zealands 10 largest freehold forest plantations, has announced a 90-year right to plant land management agreement with sustainable land-use company, eLandNZ - with the backing of the Gisborne District Council. The programme will see perm...