default-output-block.skip-main
Regional | Community

Ngāti Hine members threaten to block metal roads

The threat was enough to see local body leaders and MPs heading to Kaikou Marae to discuss the issues.

At the hui issues over the dusty roads were presented directly to the leaders of the district and regional councils.

Despite having over 1700 kilometres of metal roads in the Far North alone, there is currently no high quality researched evidence on this problem in New Zealand.  Last month, the district health board began looking into the possible impacts the dust has had on the health of those living in the area.

Winston Peters was the lawyer acting for locals back in the 1970s when they opposed a 99-year lease of the forestry block to Carter Holt and the issues have lingered and with the threat of a road blockade, local authorities presented to discuss the issue.

The discussions will continue but if they don't cater to the needs of the locals, the road will be blocked.