Press release - February 9, 2010
Greenpeace is warning the Government it could face civil disobedience and an international backlash if it proceeds with mining on conservation land.
As part of his opening speech to Parliament today, John Key
announced plans to amend schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act to
allow mining on New Zealand's most important publicly owned
conservation lands.
"If National opens more conservation land for mining, and
particularly national parks, it is highly likely to face civil
disobedience of the sort that saved West Coast forests and Lake
Manapouri," said Greenpeace's Political Adviser Geoff Keey.
"Frankly, if I was a mining company I'd be looking to invest
elsewhere.
"This issue is something New Zealanders feel very strongly
about; John Key acknowledged as much in his speech. The Government
holds our National Parks in trust for all New Zealanders.
"But the backlash won't just come from within New Zealand. This
announcement will come as a huge disappointment to anyone who's
ever travelled here from overseas and enjoyed our land and scenery.
And any international backlash will affect our tourism and
agriculture sectors."
"There's already international concern about the Government's
plans. Does John Key really want the reputation of being the George
Bush of the South Pacific?"
Other contacts: Geoff Keey – Political Adviser - 021504486
Kathy Cumming – Media and Communications – 021 495 216