24 October 2026
Gisborne District Council has welcomed the Government's announcement of a refocused Tairāwhiti Transition Action Group and funding to support practical land-use transition and resilience initiatives across the region.
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has confirmed the former Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group (TFA Group) has been refocused as the Tairāwhiti Transition Action Group (TTAG), with a broader role in supporting long-term land-use transition and regional resilience.
The Government has also directed the remaining $16.4 million of woody debris funding towards legacy debris removal, slash mitigation, sustainable harvesting and land-use change pilots.
Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says the announcements represent an important step towards addressing some of the region's biggest long-term challenges.
“Tairāwhiti has some of the most erosion-prone land in New Zealand and we have seen repeatedly what can happen when extreme weather meets highly vulnerable terrain.
“We need a future where forestry can continue on appropriate land, harvesting is undertaken well, and land carrying the greatest risk has a realistic pathway to transition.”
Council has been working closely with Government, Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou and regional partners from the outset to help establish and shape the refocused TTAG, including its direction and broader role in supporting practical land-use transition.
Ms Thatcher Swann says the announcement reflects months of collaboration and builds on significant work already underway across the region.
“It gives us an opportunity to build on the evidence, relationships and practical work already developed, strengthen coordination and move towards delivery.
“For some time Council has been saying that Tairāwhiti cannot solve these issues alone.
“This requires Government, Council, iwi, landowners and industry around the same table, working from the evidence and finding solutions that protect communities while supporting a viable regional economy.”
Ms Thatcher Swann says the funding provides an opportunity to turn existing evidence and planning into practical action.
“We want to see that funding translate into work on the ground that helps landowners and communities make informed decisions about the future of their land.
“The next step is testing different land-use options in real situations and identifying approaches that could be applied more widely across Tairāwhiti.”
The Te Ārai demonstration catchment is one example of work already underway, building on the efforts of the local catchment group and working alongside landowners to develop property-level plans and a wider catchment transition plan.
“This is about finding the right land use for the right place, while supporting viable livelihoods and reducing risks to communities and the environment."
Council will continue working alongside Government, TTAG, landowners and regional partners to support practical land-use transition across Tairāwhiti.