During Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle the poor management of exotic plantations – primarily pine – has again led to extensive damage in Tairāwhiti. Among the key drivers of the current problems in Tairāwhiti are the large areas of exotic tree plantations that were established with government support after the devastation of Cyclone Bola. There should be no further harvesting in Tairāwhiti plantations until this exercise has been completed. We also need to identify those areas that currently lack plantations but should never be planted in exotic tree crops (for any purpose). The consequences of short-term thinkingFor too long we have been fixated in Aotearoa with maximising short-term returns from exotic tree crops without thinking about long-term consequences.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 22, 2023 04:12 UTC