The Latest Breaking News from Tairāwhiti

The government subsidised pine on the East Coast for nearly 30 years. In that time huge tracts of that forestry have ended up in the hands of foreign companies with a track record of environmental damage. The latest in a series on the slow destruction of Tairāwhiti.

It’s been known for over a century that the East Coast was vulnerable to erosion. But continued decisions have it at a catastrophic turning point that could decide the future of the region. Aaron Smale continues a series on the slow destruction of Tairāwhiti.

The inquiry into forestry slash destruction in Tairāwhiti, and review of the Emissions Trading Scheme, should prioritise the state of the planet not the balance sheets of global corporations, writes Dame Anne Salmond.

The pine industry is expanding, but questions are being raised about the potentially destructive role of ‘slash’, the offcuts it leaves behind

Commerce Commission files court action to regulate pawn loans, but too late for vulnerable communities of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti. Jonathan Milne reports.

Dame Anne Salmond has seen some actual research on what is in the forestry 'slash' bedevilling Tairāwhiti, and it doesn't bear out the forestry minister's claim

On the day Cyclone Gabrielle was smashing into Tairāwhiti, Environment Minister David Parker was already passing the buck.  Aaron Smale reports.

During Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle the poor management of exotic plantations – primarily pine – has again led to extensive damage in Tairāwhiti. Critical public infrastructure destroyed; highly productive agricultural and horticultural land washed away or buried; houses, fences and sheds knocked over; people’s lives and dreams upended; people dead.

A child is among five confirmed deaths, while there are serious concerns for those missing after more than 1400 people were reported uncontactable.