3068 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister of Forestry

3068 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister of Forestry: Regarding the current works to amend the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry, has he considered that ‘Gisborne District Council is particularly concerned that changes to regulation 6 could directly affect policy responses they are developing after Cyclone Gabrielle and the subsequent Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use [in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa] report’; if so, what is his response?

Hon Todd McClay: Proposed changes to the NES-CF have been consulted on during a formal public consultation last year and all submissions received have been considered. We continue to work with councils and other stakeholders on how best to manage and reduce risk through better and more practical rules. Council plans will be able to differentiate where there is good evidence to support local decisions.