12 August 2026
Council is commissioning an independent assurance review of its forestry consenting and compliance system.
Hon Christopher Finlayson KC has been confirmed to Chair the independent review panel, with environmental and resource management specialist Dr Marie Doole confirmed as a panel member. Further specialist expertise is currently being finalised.
Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says Council initiated the review to independently test whether its current approach is fit for purpose, proportionate to Tairāwhiti’s environmental risks, and clear and workable in practice.
“Tairāwhiti’s highly erodible land, steep terrain, severe weather exposure and downstream risks mean our regulatory approach needs to reflect the realities of our region.
“Council has significantly strengthened its forestry consenting, monitoring and enforcement capability since 2018, and we have also been working closely with the forestry sector to improve our processes and standard consent conditions.
“That work has been constructive, but concerns continue to be raised about consenting requirements, compliance settings, costs and processing timeframes. Rather than continue debating those issues from different positions, we want them independently tested against the evidence.”
The focused review will examine a representative sample of consenting and compliance files and selected consent conditions, and test concerns raised by the sector against processing records, operational examples and other relevant evidence.
It will consider whether requirements are proportionate to risk, whether conditions are clear and practical, whether processes are efficient and consistently administered, and whether improvements could reduce unnecessary cost or uncertainty while maintaining strong environmental outcomes.
The review will also distinguish between matters Council can address itself and issues that may require cooperation with the forestry sector or clearer national direction.
“This is about independently testing what we are doing, confirming what is working well and being prepared to change what needs improving,” Ms Thatcher Swann says.
“The review will give us a clear evidence base for any subsequent improvement work.
“We want a regulatory system that protects our environment and communities, gives responsible forestry operators greater certainty, and supports appropriate, sustainable forestry and land use across Tairāwhiti.”
Council will provide the information and access required for the review but will not direct the panel’s findings.
An initial findings report is expected within six weeks of the panel’s formal appointment.