Massive open cast mines and tailings dams containing millions of tons of toxic sludge will now be possible on conservation land north of the Kopu Hikuai where previously they were off limits to mining, – all at the whim of self-loving egotistical Minister Shane Jones.
Three decades of community action with overwhelming public support gained special protection from mining for the northern Coromandel. This protection was created under a National Government in 1998 and has been the law ever since. Now this essential protection for our forests and coastal areas is being trashed by this extremist anti-environment and anti-democratic government.
The prime reason why holiday homeowners, fishers, and tourists come here, and businesses are attracted here is imperilled. Why has our MP and former Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson not opposed this outrage?
The legislation allows Ministers to silence qualified experts and shut the public out.
It’s a broad power grab that opens the door to bias and corruption by Ministers.
This devious attack on the environment and our democracy wasn’t mentioned during the election. We did not elect them to destroy our precious landscapes, pollute our rivers and coasts, and doom endangered species, just to line the pockets of mining companies who donated campaign expenses.
Wake up New Zealand – we did not vote for this, and we must staunchly oppose it.
