Forum to address land use

The long-term uses of rural land in the Wairoa district are to be the subject of a forum in the town later this month.

The forum in the Wairoa Community Centre on February 14 will involve representatives from across the primary production sector, but the district council is keen that anyone with an interest should take part.

It's inspired by concerns to the Long Term Plan highlighting the expansion of forestry and contraction of pastoral farming.

Speakers representing farming and forestry will provide brief presentations, followed by discussion focusing on how land use is evolving in the district.

Representatives include Federated Farmers policy analyst Gwyn Morgan, Hawke's Bay Regional Council policy team leader Gavin Ide, Fonterra regional manager Tony Haslett and Forestry Owners' Association board member Sheldom Drummond.

"The purpose of the forum is to provide an opportunity for people representing different land use interests in the district to hear each others' concerns and issues, and then work together to try and find some mutually acceptable solutions," Council CEO Peter Freeman said.

Planning-related solutions can then be picked up by the council when reviewing the district plan.