Whanganui council forest sale delayed again by Overseas Investment Office

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The sale of Whanganui District Council forestry has been delayed again.

Council is awaiting Overseas Investment Office approval to sell four of the district's forests - McNabs, Te Ara To Waka, Sicilies and Tauwhare - to an unnamed overseas buyer.

The decision was first delayed in the middle of last year while the OIO awaited further information.

Then in October council said the proposed buyer had requested an extension of the conditional sale until February 2 this year.

Now council's special projects manager, Rowan McGregor, said more information had been sought and it was still awaiting OIO approval.

"Three weeks ago the OIO asked for more information about the influences and behaviours of the log market in the region.

"The OIO has not indicated when it will make a decision."

The identity of the purchaser remains confidential until the sale is finalised.