Wairoa Mayor Craig Little.
Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
But many people in Gisborne and Wairoa say the industry is damaging their pristine environment and ruining communities.
In Tolaga Bay, a small town of about 800 people nearly an hour north of Gisborne, one end of the beach near the famous wharf is almost clear and sandy, with only a touch of wood nearby.
But at the other end, piles of battered and bruised logs still sit.
Diggers are still beside the beach, with caution tape and keep out signs plastered around.
Instead of an easy route to the water s edge down here there are digger lines deep in the sand.
Slash strewn over the Uawa River mouth in Tolaga Bay.
Photo: Supplied
After years of discussions, it s hoped a native planting project announced by the area s largest forestry operation will help protect homes, waterways and coastlines.
Aratu Forests, one of New Zealand s 10 largest freehold forest plantations, has announced a 90-year right to plant land management agreement with sustainable land-use company, eLandNZ - with the backing of the Gisborne District Council.
The programme will see permanent native plantings established in parts of the 35,000 hectare estate which are unsuitable for timber plantation.
A riparian zone currently protected by a mature pine crop. The project will see this area convert to permanent native forest after harvesting of the commercial tree crop.