Cyclone Gabrielle Response Plan in progress

20 FEBRUARY 2023

Statement release from NZ Forest Managers

NZ FOREST MANAGERS CYCLONE GABRIELLE RESPONSE PLAN IN PROGRESS

Cyclone Gabrielle’s impact on the plantation forests managed by NZFM (2022) LP has been significant. A response plan is in progress and the Company considers its response to the recent events to be an utmost priority.

NZFM recognises the landowners are very eager to understand the full impact the cyclone has had, and what are our next steps will be. The company also recognises the local communities and general public have an interest in this situation as well.

On these matters, NZFM General Manager John Hura said:

“This cyclone has had a major impact on a number of our forest clients, landowners, and shareholders, with whom we are liaising with directly.

“We are still in the assessment phase of ascertaining the extent of damage. We are using a combination of fixed wing and helicopter flights, satellite imagery, drones and on-ground inspections.”

“We expect to have a clearer picture of the nature and extent of the damage in the coming days and weeks. This enables us to develop an operational response plan, working in conjunction with our clients.

 “We know there will be major salvaging operations in many forests to uplift wind-thrown stems and are well on the way to re-opening main access roads to facilitate this work”.

SAFETY REMAINS A HIGH PRIORITY

For the safety of our owners, shareholders and the public we have CLOSED all the forest estates under our management to all non-forestry personnel until further notice.

 The affected areas have windthrown trees, landslips and damaged roads. The situation is very dangerous.

 We acknowledge that our client owners and shareholders may want to see their estates. We request your understanding through the closure. Your safety is our priority.

 NZFM is working with power suppliers to ensure safe access to their infrastructure, so power can be restored to the region as soon as possible.

 We are also working with local and regional councils, Civil Defence, Waka Kotahi and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response to this major event.

 We acknowledge the stress this event may have caused to individuals, whānau and communities that reside near our clients’ forests and seek your understanding as we work to bring things back to some semblance of normality.

Ka mate kāinga tahi, ka ora kāinga rua - we will rebuild.

NZ Forest Managers continue to provide regular updates through their website – https://www.nzfm.co.nz

Kia āta whakatere i te waka, kei pariparia e te tai mōnenehu - proceeding with caution to facilitate an effective response.

STATEMENT RELEASE ENDS HERE

Please email all inquiries to NZ Forest Managers, reception@nzfm.co.nz