If you are in the Woodend Beach area, you will see some large harvest machinery and equipment as we gear up to start preparations for the harvest of the coastal forest.

The Council awarded the contract this week for the harvest of nine forestry blocks along the coastal strip between Waikuku and Kairaki Beach.  The contractors have moved their equipment on to the site and have begun some preparation work for the harvest.

The Tuhaitara Coastal Park between Woodend Beach Road north to Tiritirimoana Drive is closed to the public.

In this first stage of the project, the contractor will be harvesting the blocks South of Pegasus through to Kairaki Beach.  The harvest of the blocks further north adjacent to Pegasus and Waikuku will now take place in April 2019.  We are aware of the increased activities during the warmer months and have programmed the harvest to avoid these busy periods.

There will be safety tape, signage and spotters in place and the public are asked to take care and avoid areas of work.

We will contact residents in Woodend Beach area today and provide specific information about harvest activities over the next few days.  A community meeting will be held for residents in The Pines Beach and Kairaki next week.

This forestry was a commercial venture resulting in eventual harvest.  Getting a good return on ratepayer’s investment is one of the key drivers of the harvest activity.  The forest needs harvested due to potential health and safety risks posed by the ageing trees.  Replanting will take place in some harvested areas.  Some areas will be replanted in native forestry for the enjoyment of future generations

The Council are continuing to work with the contractors to develop a detailed plan and timeline for the harvest and we will keep you updated.

Contact: Mark Johnston

Phone: 0275 62 09 82

Email: mjohnston@tbig.co.nz