Cyclone Gabrielle

The havoc caused by Cyclone Gabrielle 12th – 16th  February 2023 will have far reaching effects in Northland, Coromandel, Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay and likely further afield.  These regions are important not only in terms of forestry and related industries but also in other primary products including market produce and fruit, vineyards, dairy and pastoral farming, each with dependent upstream and downstream industries which will also be adversely affected.

NZTIF sends its thoughts to all who have been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle – regrettably for lives lost, families disrupted by loss of homes and possessions and in many cases livelihoods, and businesses affected.

For our members the short term will be challenging.  Those who experienced the direct effects of Gabrielle will be in clean up mode and facing big decisions about the reconstruction of their businesses.  Those who weren’t directly affected will face challenges to do with log supply as harvesting may be compromised due to possible windthrow and other damage to forestry and an inability of logging contractors to access sites because of damaged roads.  The impaired transport system will also affect mills’ ability to get products to market.

In spite of the challenging situation, we have heard of sawmillers networking with each other to try to work together to minimise the effects of Gabrielle and to try to ensure that customers’ orders are filled to the best extent possible.  We commend the industry for this co-operation and hope disruptions can be kept to a minimum.   If there is anything NZTIF can help with please feel free to get in touch.