Transition programme business case released

Gisborne District Council has today released the Tairāwhiti Transition Programme Business Case – an evidence-based, long-term plan to reduce the impacts of erosion and storm damage, protect vulnerable land and support the region’s primary industries and communities.

Major storms have triggered widespread erosion and land movement across Tairāwhiti - damaging hillsides, rivers and infrastructure, and leaving communities, landowners and industries facing repeated clean-ups and uncertainty.

The impacts have made it clear that long-term action is needed to strengthen our whenua and protect the region from ongoing risk.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says Tairāwhiti is united in its call for this transition, and the Business Case provides a practical way forward.

“We’ve all seen the disruption storms cause. Instead of constantly paying for clean-ups, this plan focuses on reducing the risk before the damage happens.”

“The long-term cleanup costs for Cyclone Gabrielle alone exceed $1.2 billion. Analysis by the NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) shows that every dollar spent on prevention saves at least four in recovery.

“It’s about providing a co-investment pathway so landowners are supported to restore the most erodible land, giving Tairāwhiti communities and industries more certainty.

“What makes this work so powerful is that it has been shaped by the people who live and work on the land. This level of collaboration across sectors shows our region is united on the need for change.”

The Business Case builds on the work of the Transition Advisory Group (TAG), whose development of the Land Use Transition Guidelines earlier this year provided the foundation for practical change and supported the shift from guidance to a deliverable, funded programme.

The Business Case sets out a 30-year plan to stabilise around 100,000 hectares of erosion-prone land. It includes a $20.5 million early-start package to begin work in the most at risk-areas and proposes a $359 million Crown co-investment over ten years, supported by regional and private contributions estimated at more than $240 million.

Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says the plan demonstrates that transitioning vulnerable land materially reduces the region’s recurring $80+ million clean-ups and the repeated reinstatement of roads, bridges and critical infrastructure after major storms.

The plan seeks Government partnership to back the transition, with Council and local landowners driving delivery in a way that reflects the needs of communities.

The programme is expected to deliver:

• Over $1 billion in avoided future clean-up and recovery costs
• Stabilisation of 100,000 hectares of erosion-prone land
• More than 350 local jobs, building a skilled land-stewardship workforce
• A stronger, more investable primary sector with reduced exposure to recurring storm impacts.

“The region has an opportunity to take a big step forward,” she says. “We can keep paying for damage, or we can invest in stopping it.

“We know our whenua and we know what needs to change. This plan gives us a clear blueprint backed by evidence and local experience to protect what we value and build confidence in our future.

“Farming and forestry will continue to be important contributors to our regional economy, over the longer term we anticipate a more diversified and resilient economy in Tairāwhiti as the types of jobs gradually evolve, and there are transition pathways that have potential for increasing profitability.”

“If we get it right here, this region becomes a national pilot for sustainable land use – a model for other parts of Aotearoa facing the same challenges.”

“By working collectively we can reduce risk, restore our land and secure a resilient future for our region and those who come after us.”

The Business Case is now being shared with Government for consideration, with engagement continuing in the months ahead.

Read the full document - Land Use Transition in Tairāwhiti business case