A Hawke's Bay beach with slash. Photo: Emma Ricketts
The government is proposing to roll back the ability of councils to introduce their own tougher rules for forestry, saying standards need to be consistent across the country.
Labour last year introduced new regulations in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle to give councils greater control over commercial forestry.
But Forestry Minister Todd McClay said the "unworkable regulatory burden" had created confusion and cost.
For instance, foresters could be required to get consents for new plantings in areas where there was little to no risk, he said.
"It's important that forestry rules are nationally consistent and always based on clearly demonstrable evidence."
McClay said the government would make changes to ensure councils had a "comprehensive fit-for-purpose" toolkit with all the rules in one place.
The rules governing "low-risk slash" would also be clarified, he said.
"These changes will allow the councils to focus on the most at-risk areas and work with the forestry sector to lower costs and deliver better social and environmental outcomes."
Federated Farmers is hoping the government does not fully roll back council's abilities to introduce tougher forestry rules.
Federated Farmers Forestry spokesperson Toby Williams said getting the balance right was important.
"We wouldn't want to see it rolled all the way back to what it was previously where it was just permissive everywhere, but I think what Labour brought in has been too restrictive."
The proposal will soon go out for consultation.
