Ministry of Social Development ‘here to help’ as dark period in forestry expected

Steps will be taken today to ramp up the flow of information and support to the hundreds of forestry-based workers who do not have jobs to go to at present. Those in need of help have been urged to reach out for it.

UNCERTAINTY and anxiety continue to affect the lives of many forestry industry workers in the region from the impact of the coronavirus.

Those in need of help have been urged to reach out for it.

Steps will be taken today to ramp up the flow of information and support to the hundreds of forestry-based workers who do not have jobs to go to at present.

“A meeting yesterday coordinated a wider regional response to the ongoing implications of the coronavirus and the situation in China, which is impacting on export industries, and particularly the forestry industry,” said Eastland Wood Council chief executive Kim Holland.

“It is about ensuring our communities, including our East Coast communities, have access to information and support services, including health, and that our businesses, employers, and contractors have access to the business information and support they need to make business decisions.”

Ms Holland said there would be a meeting today of the operational group formed to address the crisis to mobilise and coordinate the communications, information and support across the community.

“Information is also being relayed to ministers and government agencies in Wellington to ensure they are up to date with what we are doing in the region.

“We all recognise people are under stress and the impact that this has on relationships, communities and businesses.”

The Ministry of Social Development's group general manager of client service delivery Kay Read yesterday said the ministry was there to help.

“We have a range of support available for people whose employment or income has been affected by this situation.

“We encourage people to get in touch with us to discuss their individual situation and what help is available.

“We will be offering all available support to assist people through this period of uncertainty.”

Three log ships remain at anchor in Turanganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay today and a fourth ship is anchored further out to sea.

“One of the ships in the bay has been partially loaded with logs but had to leave berth because of the swell in the bay,” a port official said. “It will re-enter and finish loading when the swells die down. The other three ships are waiting to come in and load their cargo.”

The ships will load logs for South Korea and China.

“We're still waiting on the swells to die down before loading can recommence and at this stage it's looking like Thursday,” the official said.

Waikura Group manager Matt Feisst said he expected it to be a dark period in forestry for the next few months.

“From our perspective we are doing everything we can to find alternative work for staff involved. At this stage it is an unknown when the far northern forests up the Coast will come back on stream. We just have to monitor it and wait and see but we are planning for a significant slowdown rather than a speed up.”

The Prime Minister said at a press conference this morning that Te Uru Rakau (Forestry NZ) was looking at ways to keep harvesters going.

“Also, the Ministry of Social Development is looking at ways to support those workers affected.”

Any individuals seeking immediate assistance or with questions should call Lynne Campbell from MSD on 029 237 9044. For anyone in business, or employers who require up-to-date information, contact Trust Tairawhiti business growth adviser Wendy Gatley on 021 312 463 or 06 867 2640.