Statement from the Eastland Wood Council

The Eastland Wood Council (EWC) is continuing to advocate for its members workforces, while staff and contractors remain focussed on the immediate response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Members of the Council met with Government Ministers at the weekend to discuss the challenges facing the industry in Tairāwhiti, as well the priorities.

EWC Chairperson Neil Woods says it was a productive meeting: “There was plenty of discussion about opportunities too, how we can help those around us and collaborate with other sectors too.”

“Our focus right now is on supporting our community, which is our friends and whānau, our neighbours, and our workforce too.

“Some of the challenges we’ve shared with the Government Ministers include regaining access to sites once it is safe to do so, and the trucking of logs which is understandably impacted by the roading network. We look forward to continuing to seek solutions with local and national government, as well as agencies.”

Clean-ups following Cyclone Gabrielle are continuing this week, however significant progress has been made on Waikanae and Midway Beaches.

“However, additional rain in the past 48 hours has brought extra debris to the beaches. While this is devastating, we are focussed on cleaning this up no matter what and will not stop until the work is done.”