Community Consultation Hui 2
On Wednesday, May 7th, the Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation (TKI) hosted an important community consultation meeting at the Kāwhia Community Hall. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the increasing presence of logging trucks on local roads and to outline what the community can expect in the coming months.
This meeting was organised to foster open communication among the local logging operations and the community. Kenneth Riddell, Hano Ormsby, and Malcolm Ormsby represented Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation Forest, while the meeting also featured owners and representatives from various logging operations including Waipa Forest Management, Complete Logging, Rotorua Forest Haulage, Manulife Morrison Forest, PF Olsen and Tainui Group Holdings.
Attendees included:
Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation: Kenneth Riddell, Hano Ormsby, and Malcolm Ormsby
Waipa Forest Management: Rob Angus and Todd Cheesman
Complete Logging: Major Nelson
Rotorua Forest Haulage: Tony Sargison
Manulife Morrison Forest, Aotea: Quintin Makene and Jaques Pinaar
PF Olsen & TGH Kawaroa Forest: Keith Davenport, Paul Johnson from PF Olsen. Brett Te Whare, and Pene Wahanui Hemi from Tainui Group Holdings
Kāwhia Community Board: Geoff Good and Kit Jeffries
Otorohanga District Council: Tony Quickfall and Paul Strange
The names listed were our panel of owners and experts.
This meeting was an opportunity for the community to speak directly with the logging operations about the increased volume of logging trucks on local roads and the potential impacts on safety and traffic flow. The speakers from TKI and the various logging companies took turns addressing these concerns, providing clarity on their operations and the measures being put in place to ensure safety and minimize disruption in the community.
Participants appreciated the opportunity to engage in dialogue, ask questions, and seek assurance that the logging operations would be conducted responsibly while keeping the community's welfare a priority.
During the meeting, various representatives provided insights into the anticipated logging traffic from now until the end of the year, sharing their production estimates for daily trucking volumes.
• Todd Cheesman from Waipa Forest Management estimated a volume of 10 to 12 trucks per day.
• Brett Te Whare from Tainui Group Holdings and Keith Davenport from PF Olsen estimated 7 trucks per day.
• Quintin Makene from Manulife Morrison Forest projected 8 to 10 trucks per day.
When combining these estimates, the expected trucking volume is around 32 trucks per day, highlighting the significant logging activity anticipated in the coming months.
During the community consultation meeting, a recurring theme from attendees was the issue of potholes along the main road. Many community members expressed their frustrations about the condition of the roads and how it affects safety and traffic flow.
Another key concern raised was the need for designated slow traffic bays. These designated areas would allow logging trucks to pull over and let other vehicles pass, improving overall traffic management.
Tony Quickfall and Paul Strange from Otorohanga District Council addressed these inquiries to the best of their ability. However, they encouraged attendees to formally register their complaints and concerns on the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) website to ensure that the issues are documented and addressed appropriately.
The dialogue highlighted the importance of community feedback in driving improvements in local infrastructure.
During the consultation meeting, attendees also acknowledged the courteous behaviour of the logging truck drivers. Many participants highlighted that the drivers have been operating safely on local roads, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the community and other road users. This positive feedback underscores the importance of responsible driving practices, especially considering the increased logging traffic. It's great to see that the drivers are appreciated for their professionalism and consideration on the road.
This meeting is a testament to Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and proactive relationship with the Kāwhia community. As logging activities continue to increase, such forums will be essential for keeping everyone informed and ensuring that the community can thrive alongside the logging industry.
For further updates and information on logging operations in the area, the TKI encourages community members to stay engaged and participate in future consultations.
On behalf of Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation (TKI), we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees and members of the community who participated in the recent consultation meeting. Your engagement and feedback are invaluable to us as we navigate the ongoing logging operations and their impact on our roads and community.
We appreciate the lively discussions, your concerns regarding potholes and the need for slow traffic bays, and the thoughtful questions directed to our panel of experts. Your willingness to voice your experiences and suggestions is what strengthens our community ties and helps us work together towards solutions that benefit everyone.
We would also like to thank our panel members for their contributions and insights, which made the meeting informative and constructive. Your participation reflects the commitment we share to strengthening the relationships with our community.
We encourage you to continue providing feedback and to reach out with any further concerns. Together, we can ensure the well-being of our community as we move forward.
Thank you once again for your support and involvement.
Nga mihi nui,
Kenneth Riddell
Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation