Slash strewn over the Uawa River mouth in Tolaga Bay. Photo: Supplied After years of discussions, it's hoped a native planting project announced by the area's largest forestry operation will help protect homes, waterways and coastlines. Aratu Forests, one of New Zealand's 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 permanent native plantings established in parts of the 35,000 hectare estate which are unsuitable for timber plantation. A riparian zone currently protected by a mature pine crop. The project will see this area convert to permanent native forest after harvesting of the commercial tree crop.