A coalition of environment groups including Greenpeace, has announced a public march against the Government\u2019s mining plans on May 1 in Auckland.<\/p>\n\n
The march will highlight widespread anger over proposals to mine the very best of New Zealand\u2019s conservation land and will be just days before the Government\u2019s consultation period ends.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe Government\u2019s mining plans are one of the most aggressive and tangible challenges to New Zealand\u2019s \u2018clean green\u2019 values and brand in recent history,\u201d said Greenpeace Executive Director Bunny McDiarmid.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe proposals are yet another example of the Government\u2019s 19th century approach to economic development; they are the tip of the iceberg. We\u2019re 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 \u2018this is not the direction we want for our country\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Ambassador for Greenpeace\u2019s Sign On climate campaign Robyn Malcolm: \u201cThe 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\u2019s like they\u2019ve never heard of climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Federated Mountain Clubs spokesperson Richard Davies: \u201cNew 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 \u2013 Schedule 4 lands like National Parks \u2013 undermine our great outdoors tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Forest & Bird conservation advocate Quentin Duthie said New Zealand\u2019s public conservation estate needed to be protected not exploited. \u201cIt 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 \u2013 home to Kiwi and magnificent forests \u2013 are simply too precious to mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Coromandel Watchdog\u2019s 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”.<\/p>\n\n
Economist and ECO chair Cath Wallace said the touted economic benefits of the mining have been grossly overstated. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
ENDS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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