Community perception of forest sector development on the New Zealand East Coast : likely and acceptable employment activities, infrastructure and landscape change

Abstract

Opinion leaders in the Gisborne East Coast community have contrasting views on the likely character and benefits of employment, infrastructure and landscape change arising from forest sector development. The views expressed in the survey suggest that there is a need to address such issues as scale of land conversion, felling practices, and log transportation. There is a need for public education on the extent of downstream processing already being undertaken, and of the extent and benefits of indirect employment created by the sector.