The march will highlight widespread anger over proposals to mine
the very best of New Zealand's conservation land and will be just
days before the Government's consultation period ends.
"The Government's mining plans are one of the most aggressive
and tangible challenges to New Zealand's 'clean green' values and
brand in recent history," said Greenpeace Executive Director Bunny
McDiarmid.
"The proposals are yet another example of the Government's 19th
century approach to economic development; they are the tip of the
iceberg. We're at a real crossroads as a nation: are we really
willing to risk the long term well-being of the economy and the
environment? Now is the time for New Zealanders to stand up and say
'this is not the direction we want for our country'."
Ambassador for Greenpeace's Sign On climate campaign Robyn
Malcolm: "The National Government's draconian mining plans seem
like something from another age. They want to destroy 3,000 ha of
Paparoa national park to mine coal, which will be burnt in New
Zealand, which will increase our emissions. It's like they've never
heard of climate change."
Federated Mountain Clubs spokesperson Richard Davies: "New
Zealand has a vibrant outdoor culture. Over 120 years, successive
governments have protected the natural places that Kiwis and
tourists enjoy. Plans to raid the best bits - Schedule 4 lands like
National Parks - undermine our great outdoors tradition."
Forest & Bird conservation advocate Quentin Duthie said New
Zealand's public conservation estate needed to be protected not
exploited. "It is home to our unique plants and animals, is much
loved by New Zealanders, and supports the whole economy, especially
tourism. Schedule 4 areas like Coromandel, Great Barrier and
Paparoa National Park - home to Kiwi and magnificent forests - are
simply too precious to mine."
Coromandel Watchdog's Denis Tegg: "The Coromandel has steep,
forested mountains, outstanding landscapes and is habitat to
endangered species. This is no place for gold mining, which
requires roads, industrial-scale rock crushing and leaves 99.99%
behind as a heavy metals-laden toxic residue".
Economist and ECO chair Cath Wallace said the touted economic
benefits of the mining have been grossly overstated. "The proposal
for mining in our conservation areas also assigns to zero the value
of conservation areas and the natural systems, the landscape, and
the recreational and cultural values to New Zealand."
The march will kick off from the bottom of Queen Street at
11am.
See: dontunderminenz.org for more information.
Other contacts: Greenpeace: Bunny McDiarmid - 021838183
Robyn Malcolm can be contacted through Kathy Cumming – 021 495 216
Coromandel Watchdog: Denis Tegg (07) 868 9090 / 027 210 5344
Forest and Bird: Quentin Duthie 021558215
FMC: Richard Davies 0274555293
ECO: Cath Wallace - 021-891-994 or 04-463-5713 (w)
Exp. contact date: 2010-06-15 00:00:00