Media Release

Uncovered stumps not driftwood

A person who removed one of the Totara forest stumps recently uncovered at Okitu has been issued an infringement notice by Council.

The man, who was seen removing stumps on Sunday, was spoken to by local residents and the police were also called.

Environment and regulatory services group manager, Kevin Strongman says removing the stumps by chainsaw, digging them up or otherwise, is a breach of the Resource Management Act.

“The stumps are protected as part of the Gisborne Regional Coastal Management Plan.”

Where machinery or disturbance of the sand is involved then a resource consent from Council is required.

People should be aware of the rules around the collection of wood on the Gisborne coastline.

Collection of driftwood which is loose lying on the beach, by hand is fine.

“Driftwood generally shouldn’t be collected from sensitive environments with high conservation values such as Okitu, Makorori, Muriwai and Te Wherowhero where it forms important habitat for native insects and lizards.

“The stumps at Okitu are an important part of the history of the Gisborne coastline – which was once much higher than the current shoreline.”

The man was stopped before taking the stumps away from the beach, however because of the nature of the offence, enforcement officers issued the infringement notice on Thursday.

ENDS

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