Press release - March 21, 2010
The Government is dragging New Zealand back to the 19th century with its mining plans, says Greenpeace.
"It's like we fell asleep and woke up and it's the 80s again,"
said Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Simon Boxer. "The National
Party's rudimentary approach to economic development is fast
consigning 'clean green' New Zealand to the historical dustbin. Its
rip shit and bust approach to growth is destroying everything we
stand for as a country."
The Government has finally released its discussion document
outlining mining plans in areas including the Coromandel Peninsula,
the Paparoa National Park and Stewart Island; areas currently
protected under Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act.
"These areas are precious to people all round the world and
mining them invites a massive international backlash.
"The world is on the cusp of a new green industrial revolution
because of challenges like climate change. Intelligent, canny
nations will be at the forefront of the revolution and the winners
will be those who understand, embrace and pioneer clean
technologies. Unfortunately for New Zealand, our Government is
still picking 19th century winners in a 21st century world.
The government's plans had already drawn international
condemnation from conservation organisations. (1)
"Mining pristine conservation lands is exactly the backwards
thinking that must change if New Zealand is to have any chance of
prosperity in the future," said Boxer. "Economic development that
takes no account of the impact on our environment, our overseas
reputation and the global economy's response to climate change is
economic suicide. We have to stop stealing from the future as if
we have learnt nothing from our past.
"New Zealand needs the Government to offer an economic vision
for the 21st century that plays to the strength of our clean and
green reputation and meets the challenge of climate change through
clean development."
Other contacts: Greenpeace Senior Climate Campaigner – 021905579
Kathy Cumming – Media and Communications – 021 495 216
Notes: (1) World Commission on Protected areas of IUCN:
"The international community has long seen New Zealand as a country with strong protection of its outstanding natural values and a country seriously committed to biodiversity conservation. We also note that the successful national branding of ‘100% natural’ can only retain its credibility by assuring the intactness of the conservation lands of New Zealand."
And
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/news/3325637/US-greens-Mining-in-NZ-parks-an-insult