Introduction Cyclone Hale and Gabrielle have wreaked havoc on the Tairāwhiti region this year, with their intense winds and battering rain causing extensive damage to the area. Poor management of exotic plantations, particularly pine, has compounded the destruction, resulting in the destruction of critical public infrastructure and valuable agricultural and horticultural land. Unfortunately, lives have been lost, with homes and dreams of the people of this region shattered in the wake of these cataclysmic events. Exotic Plantations: The Result of Poor Management The damage caused by the two cyclones is particularly detrimental to the Tairāwhiti region due to the region's reliance on exotic plantations. Exotic plantations are imported trees, mainly pines, that are planted for commercial reasons. Plantation forests are highly valued for their economic and environmental contributions, as they are a source of fibre for construction materials, energy, as well as biodiversity. However, the monoculture nature of exotic plantations makes them highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as that of Cyclone Hale and Gabrielle. Without an appropriate level of diversity and the right management of these trees, they are unable to withstand the damaging winds and rain of the cyclones. This has resulted in extensive damage to the trees, with many of them being uprooted and falling off the ground. The Impact of Poor Plantation Management The poor management of exotic plantations has had a devastating impact on the people and environment of Tairāwhiti. The destruction of these plantations has resulted in the destruction of critical public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, as well as the loss of valuable farmland. Houses, fences, and sheds have been knocked over, while large amounts of soil and debris have washed away or buried productive agricultural and horticultural lands. The loss of public infrastructure has had a tremendous impact on the community. It has made it difficult for people to access essential services, such as medical care, education and transport. In addition, the destruction of valuable farmland has put food security in the region at risk. It has made it difficult for people to access locally produced food and has limited their ability to make a living. The Human Cost of Cyclone Hale and Gabrielle Unfortunately, the destruction of Cyclone Hale and Gabrielle has had a huge human cost. People’s lives and dreams have been upended, with some even losing their lives. The destruction of homes, farms, and businesses has caused significant emotional and financial distress for the people of Tairāwhiti. The human cost of this destruction is huge. People have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and the dream of a prosperous future. The emotional and psychological burden of this tragedy is immense, and the people of Tairāwhiti will need all the help and support they can get in the coming months and years to help them recover from this disaster. Conclusion Cyclone Hale and Gabrielle have left a devastating path of destruction in their wake. Poor management of exotic plantations has compounded the destruction, resulting in extensive damage to critical public infrastructure and valuable agricultural and horticultural land. Tragically, lives have been lost, with people’s lives and dreams upended in the wake of this cataclysmic event. It is essential that the people of Tairāwhiti receive the help and support they need to recover from this tragedy. We must also ensure that the management of exotic plantations is improved and that measures are taken to mitigate the damage caused by future extreme weather events. Only then can we ensure that the people of Tairāwhiti are able to rebuild their lives and recover from this nightmare.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/new-zealand-planted-pine-in-response-to-cyclone-bola-with-devastating-consequences
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