An environmental lawyer is welcoming a hefty fine handed to forestry company Juken after logging debris caused millions of dollars of damage when it washed down hillsides south of Gisborne in heavy rain in 2018.
Juken was ordered to pay $152,000 after tonnes of debris, known as slash, from the Waituna Forest washed on to farms and roads.
The judge also criticised the Gisborne District Council for failing to ensure the company was meeting consent conditions.
Sally Gepp is an environmental lawyer who's called for more controls on forestry companies.
