Forest owners say the issue of extreme weather events causing wood debris to wash up on Gisborne's beaches isn't just because of the actions of forestry companies.
A 12-year-old boy died At Gisborne's Waikanae Beach after being hit by a log washed down in storms earlier this month.
A nearly 9000-strong petition was presented to the Council yesterday, demanding an independent inquiry into the rules on land use.
Gisborne District Council say it's investigating where the debris came from, and supports the petition's calls for an inquiry.
The Forest Owners Association's Grant Dodson told Morning Report the weak soil geology on East Coast is partly to blame for the forestry waste.
Forestry Minister Stuart Nash has declined to appear on Morning Report, but released a statement.
"I offer condolences to the family and community during this difficult time. I am unable to comment on the specifics of the situation as I understand it has been referred to the coroner".
"I am, however, open to an independent inquiry into land management practices on highly erodible soils in the Tairāwhiti district."
He also added that forestry companies in the region have been proactively putting in place additional measures since the 2018 event to reduce future impacts of heavy rain events
He said this includes retiring forestry blocks, better management of slash and rapid replanting.
Nash says this region has a inherently greater risk than other regions in Aotearoa.
He said the government is supporting Gisborne Regional Council to mitigate and understand the risks to the environment and economy through the Government through the NZ forestry service and the Ministry for the environment has implemented a wide ranging work program to address these and other risks inherent with forestry and forestry related activities:
