12 Feb 2015

Kaumatua issues roadblock ultimatum

9:53 am on 12 February 2015

A Northland kaumatua is threatening to close local forestry routes if the council fails to fix a dust problem caused by log trucks.

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Dust clouds caused by logging trucks on Northland roads. Photo: RNZ / Lois Williams

The Pipiwai community north-west of Whangarei has been campaigning for several years to have 9 kms of metal road sealed.

The Whangarei Council is waiting to hear if central government will help to fund the work.

But at a hui at Tau Henare marae this week a local landowner Hirini Henare issued an ultimatum.

The Ngati Hine elder said if the council did not seal the roads he would personally block the route used by the log trucks so no traffic could pass.

Northland Health said constant dust clouds stirred up by logging trucks were a significant health hazard for people living close to metal roads in the region.

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