Wayne! Keep pushing mining for the North. It is exactly what the North and New Zealand need.
I have just spent three weeks in Western Australia, covering 7000km and visiting some mining towns along the way.
These towns are full of positive New Zealanders, all working hard,all earning big money.
Whether highly-skilled or doing unskilled jobs, they are all on big money. Most would rather be back in New Zealand but are there for better futures for their families.
It was great to be in a positive environment. The whole region benefits with the "royalties for regions" policy, where 25 per cent of the royalty is reinvested in the community .
Wayne, you are doing a great job, don't let the negative get you down. Keep pushing. Go for it!