Tangata whenua, Karangahake residents and Coromandel Watchdog today gathered in Karangahake to protest the New Talisman Gold Mine expansion.
The group of over 50 met near the mine site to send a clear message to potential financiers, visiting the site this week, that the mine is not a smart investment. Some hiked up to the mine to deliver the message to New Talisman staff.
“The Ruunanga supports Watchdog to oppose mining in all of the Coromandel/Hauraki from Moehau to Te Aroha,” said Te Ruunanga A Iwi O Ngati Tamatera Kaumatua Tewiremu Nichols. “We do not support the expansion of mining in Karangahake.”
“Conservation land is meant for preserving biodiversity and the recreation for New Zealanders and visitors. The area should have been included in Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act when the Northern Coromandel was.
Watchdog is campaigning it have the rest of the Coromandel Forest Park included in the schedule which prohibits mining,” said Coromandel Watchdog spokesperson Renee Annan.
“If this project attempts to proceed there will be vigorous opposition from the community – that was clear from the group today.”
“The value of this area is based on a non-industrial model, a peaceful rural community and strong tourism
attractions. Mining is our past and will not be our future.”