Man caught in forest with milling equipment

A man was arrested this morning after he was found in a Matahi Valley forestry block, 27km south east of Whakatane, with milling equipment.

Whakatane police said a small contingent of officers were needed to arrest the 44-year-old man.

There was evidence of timber being milled at the site and police were investigating further.

Police said a small number of local Maori "took an interest in the removal of the arrested man".

"This group gathered at the police cordon with representatives taking the opportunity [to] voice opinions on Matahi land issues."

The Matahi forest was sold to Rayonier, a Florida-based multi-national company in 2005. In September 2006 a group of Tuhoe tribe members blocked the forest entry in protest claiming the forest was "stolen property".

Ngati Awi was also upset by the sale.

Police said the locals present during the arrest were well behaved and commended the way they treated police.

The arrested man will appear in Whakatane District Court on September 13.

- NZPA