Cyclone impact more complex than first anticipated: Aratu

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Aratu Forests has revealed just how “complex” the cyclone clean-up has been.

Having regained access to its forests following severe weather events in Tairāwhiti, crews have gained better understanding of the impacts of cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.

Aratu chief executive Neil Woods said it was much more complex than first anticipated.

“What we are seeing in our estate is that the roads and infrastructure to facilitate harvesting have been largely unaffected by the storm event, confirming again that the new standards adopted for building that infrastructure are working.

“However, what has surprised us is the presence of several hundred hectares of slips of land holding eight-to-10-year-old trees — areas previously considered safe.

“These crop losses are estimated to be well in excess of $10 million and will impact longer-term wood supply from some of our forests.”

Aratu Forests has reopened an alternative route through its Waimanu Forest to connect homes at Riverside Road. The link was established on Tuesday of this week to allow for repair work on the road to start.

Mr Woods said the alternative road would be available for as long as residents needed it.

“It’s being managed in a safe, effective way to allow people to commute through as they need to.

“This region is our home, too, and we want to help the people around us in as many ways as we can after such catastrophic weather earlier this year.”

Crews are also continuing to help clear woody debris on Paroa station at Tolaga Bay with a contracted long-reach machine.

Neighbouring properties at Paroa and Tauwhareparae roads are also being worked on, including fence clearing and water blasting of silt.

“There’s a lot for us to do and we only have a finite number of machines and staff to help with this work,” Mr Wood said.

“We are working hard to get to all properties in a timely manner.

“We will keep working to clear woody debris and to help our neighbours if and when there is a need for us.”