We’re harvesting two blocks of pine trees on the eastern side of Valley Road in Whakatāne.
The harvesting operation means we will need to close sections of Valley Road to make sure everyone stays safe.
Residents, businesses and those visiting businesses within the road closures will still have access most of the time, aside from short periods when trees are being felled close to the road edge.
Detours will be in place via Arawa Road, Goulstone Road and Alexander Avenue while the operation is underway.
Why?
The trees are well overdue for harvest and are now at a size and age where they are posing a health and safety risk to road users, and to a lesser extent, nearby residents and businesses.
It’s critical that the trees are harvested, as the risk of trees falling down and the hillside giving way only increases with time.
When will it happen?
Harvesting is due to start mid-January 2025 and will take approximately four weeks, dependent on weather conditions and access.
Work will be completed between 7am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.
What happens after the harvesting is finished?
The blocks will look quite bare, but the intention is that both blocks will be replanted with native species.
Frequently asked questions
We've put together some frequently asked questions that should help explain the project.
Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.
- What’s happening?
We’re harvesting two blocks of pine trees on the eastern side of Valley Road in Whakatāne.
The harvesting operation means we will need to close sections of Valley Road to make sure everyone stays safe. Residents, businesses and those visiting businesses within the road closures will still have access most of the time, aside from short periods when trees are being felled close to the road edge.
- Where exactly are those blocks?
The two blocks are located at numbers 59 and 93a on the eastern side of Valley Road in Whakatāne, between Alexander Avenue and Arawa Road.
- Why are we harvesting the pine trees?
The pine trees were planted approximately 45 years ago. The trees are well overdue for harvest and are now at a size and age where they are posing a health and safety risk to road users, and to a lesser extent, nearby residents and businesses.
It's critical that the trees are harvested, as the risk of trees falling down and the hillside giving way only increases with time.
- When will the operation take place and how long will it take?
Harvesting is due to start mid-January 2025 and will take approximately four weeks, dependent on weather conditions and access.
Work will be completed between 7am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.
- Who is doing the work?
Tramrod, a reputable contractor, has been engaged for the harvest and sale of the trees. Tramrod has previous harvest management experience in an urban environment.
- Will the road be closed?
Parts of Valley Road will be closed during the operation from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Detours will be created via Arawa Road and Goulstone Road for traffic accessing other areas in Whakatāne.
The road closures will be done in two stages to minimise disruption to Valley Road users. Please note the exact address locations are subject to change during the operation.
Stage 1
50 Valley Road to 68 Valley Road.Stage 2
62 Valley Road to 98 Valley Road.
- Will I still be able to access my home and/or business within the road closure?
The short answer is yes. There will be access for residents and those visiting, or working at, businesses during the operation. There will be short periods (no more than 15 minutes) where access will not be permitted due to trees being felled near the road edge.
Tracks, our traffic management team, will need to manage your access during this time.
- What time can I expect things to be happening?
Operations will start at 7am and finish by 3.30pm each day, Monday to Friday. Trucks and other noisy vehicles and equipment won’t start before 7am. Please note that the road closures will start at 9am.
- Are the trees on the reserve below the pine block being removed?
There might be some minor damage to the trees in the adjacent reserves as a result of the operation, but there are no plans to remove them.
- Have iwi been involved in the process?
Ngāti Awa, as mana whenua, has been engaged throughout the project and supports the removal of the trees.
- How are the environmental risks being managed?
The operation will be carried out under the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), administered and monitored by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The standards provide nationally consistent regulations to manage the environmental effects of forestry. A comprehensive plan has been prepared that addresses the potential environmental impacts such as erosion and sedimentation, disturbance to wildlife, noise and dust.
- Are there any significant sites on the blocks?
A terrace site (W15/1182) has been identified. An archaeological assessment has been undertaken, and authority has been granted by Heritage NZ to harvest the trees within the site. Measures are being taken to minimise disturbance to the site. We are also working with Ngāti Awa with this in mind.
- Are there any kiwi present in the blocks?
We are working with Whakatāne Kiwi Trust and HALO to identify kiwi in the area. Whakatāne Kiwi Trust conducted an initial survey and identified some kiwi sign, as a result of this, a survey with a ‘kiwi dog’ has been arranged. This survey will take place a week prior to the operation and any kiwi found will be relocated.
- What will happen to the harvested trees?
All marketable timber will be taken off-site for sale. The contractor is managing the sale of timber on behalf of us.
- What will the blocks look like after the operation?
The landscape will look very different, particularly towards the top of the hillside. The upper part of the hillside will appear very bare. The lower parts will still have pockets of trees, both exotic and native. Wherever possible, all trees except for pine and eucalyptus will be preserved.
We considered removing pest plants such as privet; however, these trees will be left to stabilise the hillside during the restoration phase.
- What’s the plan for the blocks after the harvest?
The intention is to replant both sites with native trees.
- How much money will this harvest make?
Due to the age and condition of the trees, the marketable value is less. It is anticipated that the operation will be cost-neutral.
- Who can I contact if I have any questions or concerns?
Please contact us if you have any questions about the project.
For urgent enquiries, phone the Project Manager on 07 306 0585.