Toppled rimu logs heading to Auckland building industry

Craig Thomas and dog Dudley with the native timber headed for the Auckland market. Photo / Greymouth Star

Greymouth logging contractor Craig Thomas, who operates as Thomas Logging Ltd, has been busy retrieving selected rimu logs toppled by Cyclone Ita in April last year, that landed more or less on his doorstep.

Working with the Department of Conservation, Mr Thomas said the logs were airlifted out by helicopter over the weekend.

Special legislation was passed by Parliament last year allow native logging of wind-throw logs.

"I've been cutting up the selected fallen trees in the past couple of weeks with my brother Brian and Lee Christie.

"All up there were 16 trees which were cut up and airlifted by Southern Helicopters.

"Most of the logs came off DOC land but two were on my property which backs on to the Aorangi. I remember at the time of the cyclone hearing the trees crashing to the ground.

"I suppose Cyclone Ita has been good for me and other contractors."

Mr Thomas's logs are already destined for Auckland where they will be used in the building industry.

"I've got my own portable mill and I will process the logs into 6 by 2 timber.

"The buyer wants them as floorboards as well as decorative timber for apartments."

- Greymouth Star