Ministerial inquiry warns of environmental disaster

Clear-felling led to sediment and woody material forming debris flows that caused devasting damage downstream. (Image: Getty)

Rebecca Howard

Fri, 12 May 2023

A ministerial inquiry into woody debris and sediment in Tairawhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa did not mince words: an environmental disaster is unfolding in plain sight. The panel was commissioned to investigate after Cyclone Gabrielle tore through the area in February, leaving silt and slash in its wake, killing 11 people and causing billions of dollars of damage. It made nearly 50 recommendations in a report presented to environment minister David Parker and forestry minister Peeni Henare and said there is 10 years to turn the situation around....

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