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Our East Coast/Gisbone Tairawhiti team continues to adapt and innovate to improve environmental performance, manage risk, and control costs.
This year’s forestry programme has focused on strengthening erosion-prone areas through targeted planting and pest control. In Moonlight and Waiau Forests, 13,500 Redwoods, 12,000 Eucalyptus goboidea, and 14,500 Eucalyptus fastigata we replanted to stabilise fragile terrain. Pest control was intensified during planting, removing more than 1,100 deer and goats to protect young trees.
Native restoration has also been prioritised. In West Ho and Uawa Forests, 7,000locally grown mānuka and kānuka seedlings were planted on slip sites, along with 2,223 poplar and willow poles across the estate to support erosioncontrol.
In Waipaoa Forest, wilding pine eradication has begun in a Significant Natural Area known as The Hollow. This aerial programme supports long-term ecological restoration. At the heart of The Hollow is Areoma, a site of deep cultural importance to local iwi. Ongoing engagement includes site visits focused on cultural connection, knowledge sharing, and tikanga.
Smarter, lower impact harvesting
Harvesting crews have also embraced innovation. In Moonlight Forest, Forest Pro consolidated 36 hectares to a single skid site (see pic above), removing the need for three landings and 500 metres of roading. While longer extraction distances reduced production, the approach lowered environmental risk and provided valuable operational insights.
In Mata Forest, the Kuru swing yarder delivered strong performance, supported by newequipment trials including a tethered skidder operating on steep terrain.
Together,these initiatives demonstrate our commitment to sustainable forestry,continuous improvement, and responsible land stewardship.