{"id":72252,"date":"2025-07-22T11:36:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T23:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/?p=72252"},"modified":"2025-07-24T11:30:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T23:30:39","slug":"oppose-mining-in-fragile-ecosystems-submission-guide-to-stop-rma-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/aotearoa\/story\/oppose-mining-in-fragile-ecosystems-submission-guide-to-stop-rma-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"Oppose mining in fragile ecosystems: Submission guide to stop RMA changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s been revealed that in the latest in Luxon\u2019s war on nature the mining industry didn\u2019t just get a seat at the table – they basically grabbed the pen and rewrote the rules for their own profits.<\/p>\n\n

The government has announced a proposal to make it easier for offshore corporate mining giants to bulldoze and pillage some of our most precious and fragile landscapes in Aotearoa. They wrote these sweeping proposals on behalf of multinational mining companies and their offshore shareholders. And they’re not even trying to hide it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Stop Luxon letting mining companies re-write our environmental law<\/h2>\n\n

Official documents reveal<\/a> that only two industry lobby groups – Straterra and the Aggregate and Quarry Association – were consulted while drafting these dangerous proposals. There was no consultation with M\u0101ori<\/strong>, and although a Treaty impact analysis was done, the government admits it didn\u2019t have time to fully assess the effects on Treaty settlements.<\/p>\n\n

The proposal even includes a plan to remove the requirement that mining projects must provide a <\/strong>public<\/em><\/strong> benefit<\/strong>. Meaning that mining corporations can wreak environmental havoc, loot the country\u2019s wealth and send it to their offshore shareholders without proving there will be a single benefit to everyday New Zealanders.<\/p>\n\n

This is not policymaking in the public interest – it\u2019s corporate pillage. Submissions are open until 27 July <\/strong>– scroll down to find out how you can make yours. <\/p>\n\n

What exactly is the <\/strong>mining industry  <\/s><\/strong>Government proposing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

The government wants to weaken \u201cgateway tests\u201d which are the first line of defence against destructive mining projects. Our core environmental law – the Resource Management Act (RMA) says a corporation must pass the gateway test before they can apply for a consent to mine.<\/p>\n\n

These tests currently limit mining in ecologically sensitive areas – like wetlands, forests, significant natural areas (SNAs), and highly productive farmland. They exist for a reason: to stop destructive industries from wreaking havoc on the ecosystems we both cherish and rely on.<\/p>\n\n

Instead of strengthening checks to protect nature, the government wants to unlock the gate so that mining companies can breeze through even if their project would destroy critical ecosystems, poison water, and push endangered wildlife to extinction.<\/p>\n\n

This is an attack on nature and our democracy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

The official documents make it clear. The Luxon government is not writing the rules to serve the people of Aotearoa, instead they are handing the pen, the power and profits over to multinational corporations and their offshore shareholders.<\/p>\n\n

Officials even wrote that there is limited evidence of a policy problem<\/strong> and that the Government  \u201cdeveloped our understanding of the problem definition through engagement with industry”.<\/em> This isn\u2019t just bad policy. It\u2019s a deliberate dismantling of the environmental protections that safeguard our future. These proposals will:<\/p>\n\n