Forestry workers’ union to discuss support plan with ministry

Radio New Zealand News
February 22, 2023
Category: Forestry
Region: International

The union representing forestry workers will meet with the Ministry of Social Development on Thursday to develop a support plan for the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery.  First Union assistant general secretary Louisa Jones said nearly 500 workers were unable to work in areas which remained inaccessible or unstable.  She hoped the meeting would form the basis of a plan to help contractors until work could resume.  …Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told Morning Report he could not rule out forestry companies being included as a part of the government’s $50 million support package announced on Monday.  Meanwhile, Tolaga Bay farmer Bridget Parker said out-of-work contractors had been turning up at her property to help clean up the damage after hectares of forestry slash and silt crashed into her kiwifruit orchard. …There is palpable anger in flood-affected communities after Cyclone Gabrielle caused logs and silt to clog farms, rivers, and beaches for the third time in the last year.

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