Her husband is one of up to 240 workers stood down since a heavy machinery ban came into effect in the Nelson region this week, prohibiting harvesting. But late on Thursday relief was in sight after talks between the forestry sector and disaster management experts on whether the ban would allow for the resumption of any forestry work outside of the fire perimeter. GEORGE HEARD/STUFF The forest fire that spread over 2300 hectares south-west of Nelson has had a damaging effect on forestry contractors. Affected families with children were entitled to up to $385 a week from Work and Income, about a third of the average forestry workers' wages, she said. The group's advocates on the ground had spoken to "a number of forestry workers who are in a really difficult situation", she said.

Source: Stuff February 14, 2019 02:39 UTC