No firewood until tree-felling starts

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

ENTHUSIASTIC firewood collectors need to be patient to get access to free wood from gum trees that Gisborne District Council will fell on Kaiti Hill/Titirangi Reserve.

A group of gum trees alongside the road is being removed because they are dead and could fall over in strong wind.

The wood cut from the trees will be available for the public under certain conditions.

GDC communications officer Jason Chambers said once the contractors start working on cutting down the trees, there will be a daily collection from the lower car park at the end of the day — from 4.30 pm onwards.

“But only if they have been working on the site. Yesterday was too windy for tree felling. They were going to look at starting today or Wednesday.”

This firewood will be pre-cut into biscuits and is for taking away only.

“Do not cut or saw any wood on site. Please wait until our contractors are finished before collecting firewood, and leave the carpark tidy.”

Mr Chambers said people have been calling the contractors, Roberts Tree Surgeons, asking to have wood put aside for them.

Instead, any questions should be directed to the council offices (867 2049).

The communications team will update the firewood situation on the council’s Facebook page.

Work was scheduled for this week but is weather dependent. Because it is close to the road, the work will cause some traffic delays for anyone travelling up the hill.

Contractors will work on the trees from 7am to 5pm and traffic will be managed by manual stop/go signs.

The council says people should use the portside track entrance along Rakaiatane Road if they want to use the reserve’s facilities during this time.