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A damning inquiry into slash on the East Coast says the forestry industry has lost its social licence in Tai Rāwhiti - and should help foot the bill for the clean-up.
The report says the next five to ten years are critical to restore the region's gullies...or the damage may be irreversible.
The findings have been largely welcomed by communities in Tai Rāwhiti who are still reeling from the devastation brought by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Here's our political reporter Giles Dexter.