“Despite the public rejection of mining on the Schedule 4 land in 2010 the mining industry is getting very positive signals from the Government and exploring all over the Coromandel” said Ms Annan. “We are very concerned that they will identify potential mining areas and start lobbying to undermine the large scale mining ban on the Peninsula. We have worked for 30 years to achieve a level of protection for our magnificent forest and vulnerable coastal areas and now because of the high price of gold our communities face a repeat of the 1980’s.”

“This is a real threat to the future of the Hauraki/Coromandel area and the protections that the Schedule 4 status has provided for our very special environment. Local  communities need to know how to participate in legal challenges and non violent protest because Coromandel is too precious to mine,” Ms Annan said.

Coromandel Watchdog is encouraging reinvigorating local groups and activity. To get involved visit www.watchdog.org.nz/join-us/ or contact Renee on 0220181764.