Black Hawk Called In To Help With Logging

Thursday, 27 February 2025, 10:10 pm
Article: Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter

Whakatāne residents have had front row seats to a demonstration of heli-logging using a Black Hawk helicopter over the past week, as local operator Kāhu assists logging crews on Valley Road.

Whakatāne District Council has contracted a logging firm to carry out the tree felling on two blocks of pine trees growing on steep terrain overlooking the town.

The logging operation, which began in mid-January is necessary to prevent the risk of trees falling down and the hillside giving way. Road closures have been in place since January 20.

The operation was initially expected to be cost neutral once logs from the 45-year-old trees had been sold and take about four weeks, depending on weather conditions and difficulty of moving trees offsite.

Community experience general manager Alexandra Pickles said yesterday that challenges presented by the steep terrain of the northern section of the Valley Road tree harvest operation meant a change of methodology was required.

“Several options were explored and the heli-extraction method was selected as it presented the least environmental risk, safety risk, financial risk and least nuisance to nearby residents and road users due to its efficiency.”

Kahu Helicopters was engaged for this work, using its Black Hawk helicopter that was designed for heavy lifting.

Ms Pickles said the final cost of the harvest would be determined after the operation was complete and all expenses, including log sale revenue, were finalised.

Road closures were moved from 9am to 4.30pm to 7.30am to 2.30pm to make the most of the calm morning wind conditions.

Nearby residents and businesses were visited by the project manager, who explained that a helicopter would be in use for three part-days of the operation, which would also result in a change to the road closure timeframe.

“Council staff have worked very closely with the western Valley Road neighbours to navigate such aspects as vehicle access and infrastructure. Wider community communications were also carried out via social media and local radio," Ms Pickles said.

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