New Zealand to investigate forestry practices, impact

FILE PHOTO: A view of flood damage in the the aftermath of cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, in this picture released on February 15, 2023. New Zealand Defence Force/Handout via REUTERS

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - The New Zealand government said on Thursday it would hold a ministerial inquiry into the use of land for forestry due to damage caused during extreme weather events like the cyclone that struck 10 days ago.

Cyclone Gabrielle wrought havoc across much of the North Island, notably in the heavily forested Tairawhiti region on the east coast as waste wood and sediment off land where trees had been felled washed onto neighbouring farms, dammed rivers, contributed to flooding, and left logs scattered across beaches.