Australia's resource boom affecting exchange rate for other exporters.

As mining makes a political comeback Catherine Masters finds strong local opposition to the prospect of a Northland gold rush

The Northland's Puhipuhi was where gold was discovered in the 19th century, and might well be found again. Photos by Steven McNicholl

A fire broke out today in Newmont Waihi Gold's Trio underground mine, trapping 28 miners. The company operates a huge mining development in Waihi, employing 350 people. The Trio underground mine is about halfway between the Martha open pit mine and the Favona underground mine in Waihi.