Augusta Macassey-Pickard is the Coordinator of Coromandel Watchdog, Box 205, Whitianga 3542, www.watchdog.org.nz, 0220291150, watchdogcoordinator@gmail.com, Facebook Page

Despite promising in the Speech from the Throne that it was going to ban new mines on conservation land the Government has, so far, done nothing to make this a reality. Coromandel Watchdog was thrilled with the announcement, then it was announced that there would be a public consultation on the decision, and since then - nothing. Unfortunately, the Government had neither the wisdom nor the courage to place a moratorium on the granting of new permits until the policy was finalised and, as such, some of our most significant areas remain vulnerable to mining.

The Government's inaction has meant that the industry in NZ has had a huge amount of time to lobby and strategise for how to minimise any potential strengthening of mining restrictions on public conservation land - not only that, but they have asked their mates in Australia to get in on it too, setting up a mailing list via Australian mining industry groups, encouraging them to participate in the consultation when it happens - so, basically, the Australian mining industry is also lending its' not inconsiderable weight and resources to the discussion about whether or not New Zealanders want mining on the publicly owned New Zealand conservation estate!

Between the industry's obvious and aggressive push to block this move, and the Government's inaction, it is up to small grassroots groups like Coromandel Watchdog to do the research, get the information out to our communities and the public of NZ, to ensure that we all know what is at stake and what the real risks are. On the Coromandel alone there are a range of "projects" that are marching on ahead on our public conservation land - with two well used and loved walking tracks being closed to enable mining; one such area is at Wharekirauponga, beautiful regenerating bush covering the Coromandel Range behind the Whangamata/Whiritoa area.

Canadian/Australian mining company Oceana Gold, which owns both of the largest gold mines in Aotearoa New Zealand - the Macraes and Martha mines - is drilling in these hills, despite them being home to the world's most threatened amphibian, the Archey's Frog, and a raft of other threatened species of flora and fauna. Oceana is now on the verge of mining this beautiful landscape, hot on the heels of announcing that it is about to begin mining underneath a further 25 homes in the town of Waihi.

Another company intent on digging up our conservation land is an Australian company (New Talisman Gold) which is trying to reopen the old Talisman mine at Karangahake. This company has basically no money, and is continually having to go on "fundraising" expeditions to China. Yet despite this, it was given a permit to mine (consented to bulk sample) in this beautiful area that is hugely popular with both domestic and foreign tourists, closing walking tracks and industrialising more of the public conservation estate.

Government Sits On Its Hands

Coromandel Watchdog has been lobbying Government hard, but we are not seeing any movement which begs the question - just how influential is this industry? It contributes very little to our economy - especially when compared to the industries it compromises, like tourism - so who is benefitting? How are they able to make a Labour/Green government effectively freeze on one of the core promises made both pre and post-election?

Coromandel Watchdog is gearing up to fight to save the Coromandel again as we did in the 80s - we beat them then, and will do again - but we need everyone to step up. If you can help us at all, financially or practically, please get in touch: info@watchdog.org.nz. For updates on what is happening with mining on the Coromandel, and the consultation on banning new mines on conservation land please follow us on Facebook!