Logging Out: Forestry, Transport and the Health of Hokianga Communities

This paper reports on log transportation as a health-related issue in the Hokianga district of Northland at a time when forestry activity in the area is expanding and radical reforms to New Zealand's roading network have been proposed. Drawing on technical information and key informant interviews, the potential impacts of logging trucks on Hokianga roads are considered, the costs associated with forestry traffic are estimated, and the routes most likely to be affected are identified. Possible responses to the log transport problem are discussed, and it is concluded that rural communities such as Hokianga are vulnerable to both logging truck activity and changes in government policy.