On April 19, 2023, at the 22nd United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), a New Zealand environmental group alleged that the New Zealand forestry industry has committed breaches against indigenous rights. A representative of Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti, the environmental group, testified that there have been “irreversible landscape changes” including severe deforestation, irresponsible forestry practices, and climate change that have damaged the eastern coast of New Zealand’s north island. This region is home to many Māori indigenous communities. The group cited the 2023 summer cyclone that caused severe damage to this region. Much of the damage was caused by runoff from the local forestry sector. The damage is projected to cost almost USD 2.5 billion to repair. Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti has made it clear that its goal is not to stop the forestry sector altogether, but instead to engage in meaningful discourse regarding practices in the industry.