A win for anti-mining faction

The war might have a long way to go yet but the anti-mining faction in Northland could claim to have won a battle last week with the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of Hauraki Gold Ltd from exploration at Kauri Mountain, Whangarei Heads.

A well attended meeting at McLeod Bay, called by Action Whangarei Heads convenor Beverley Gott and supported by MineWatch Northland, celebrated the news, while condemning the government processes that allowed the permit to get that far.

"I was totally surprised with the call I received today from the mining exploration company, talking of their withdrawal," Ms Gott said.

"The fact that the company was clearly aware of strong community opposition to their presence - their manager made a point of saying to me that they didn't want to make enemies - means that we have collectively made an impact by acting quickly now."

Chris Spurway, exploration permit manager for the company's Canadian parent company Eurasian Minerals Inc. in Australia, Asia and the Pacific, confirmed the company's withdrawal because of "unsuitable mineralisation", but also citing conservation issues such as the kiwi protection zone and close housing as secondary factors.

MineWatch Northland spokesperson Tim Howard said the news threw a negative light on the behaviour and style of the government agency responsible for both promoting mining and regulating good mining behaviour.

"NZ Petroleum and Minerals Unit has been highly secretive, even arrogant, in their approach to this plan to explore minerals at Kauri Mountain, and elsewhere in Northland. (They) appear hell-bent on selling off whatever they can, without drawing attention to any of the risks," he said.

"They did not hold any constructive dialogue with tangata whenua in the area, as they are obliged to. They did not consult with local government or the communities affected. The whole process has been under the radar, without any notice of the area being made available for tendering, no consultation, and no public notice that they had let the permit.

"And it is clear from the Canadian exploration company that the information given them was far less than complete. All secret squirrel stuff. The meeting last night condemned NZP&M's appalling performance."

Local farmers, surfers and residents who attended the meeting were cautious about future intentions of NZP&M and other companies, however. While aware that Hauraki Gold Ltd's experience and information would put off other companies from seeking exploration permits, they called for the government agency to proactively withdraw the area from tendering for permits.

They were clear that they needed to remain vigilant about future attempts to mine the area, and began setting up ways of getting information out and of neighbours supporting each other. A commitment was also made to work closely with other communities dealing with mining intentions.

"This has been a wake-up call for us," Ms Gott said.

"We have got to work together and not be sold off, or divided. We need to be alert about any future developments and be prepared. We also need to support other communities. Government and officials have let us down in this instance. Our strength is in each other, as we have proved today."