In the hills around Taieri Beach south of Dunedin, a transformation is slowly taking shape.
"I think the foresty sector should be contributing to the clean-up effort."
But there are questions over the economic feasibility of restoring permanent native forests.
A combination of inflation, bad weather, and falling log prices has caused a reduction in harvests, leaving contractors short of work.
Minister Henare said urgent meetings were taking place today to consider recommendations.
He's received thousands of dollars from the wood processing industry over the last three elections.
Farmers say the Government needs to answer for incentivising forestry to earn carbon credits.
Cyclone Gabrielle saw rivers clogged with huge volumes of forestry slash, which destroyed bridges and damaged farmland.
It comes after a 12-year-old died when he was injured by a floating log.
