It has been a busy start to the year for us, between Shane Jones coming to Waihī to make a ‘big announcement’ (it wasn’t really, just more bollocks about how we need gold, and coal, and how the govt will make it easier to mine), to the first drilling rig on the Peninsula since the 1980’s, our communities have been turning out to make a stand for the land…
Minister for Resources Shane Jones came to Waihī at the end of January, with what he heralded was a ‘big announcement’, but which turned out to be more of the same pro-mining rhetoric; this about so called critical minerals, and adding gold and metallurgical coal to the list, while making it as easy as possible to mine, even in outstanding natural spaces. More than 100 people from around the district showed out to stand against this rhetoric, and to be sure that his claims that it would be good for our area did not go unanswered.
In early March we got the call from the Kūaotunu Anti Mining Action Group (KAMAG) that Oceana Gold had bright a rig in to their area – an exploration rig, drilling for gold. Again, over a hundred people showed out to make sure that Oceana Gold were aware that they are not welcome in that community, and that any attested to driller mine will be met with resistance.
And then within days of that, the Kūaotunu crew alerted us that the rig was on the move, and this time the Whanuakite Anti Mining (WhAM) group rallied, with at least a dozen people blockading a gateway to the farm that Oceana want to drill, and again showing that – even with only 15 minutes lead time, on a week day – the community will respond to these attempts with swift and comprehensive (and peaceful resistance).
In amongst all of this there has been yet more submissions to be made (although we do suspect they are falling on deaf ears and blind eyes) on the Minerals Programme and Conservation Law Reform, as the government continues with their agenda of making it as easy as possible for mining companies to set up here, and to mine some of our most precious areas.
There have been more public talks given as we alert our communities to these companies taking permits out over their homes, the special areas they love and enjoy, the creatures so many work so hard to protect…
As one who grew up here, the feels of getting out on the ground, standing at someones gate and trying to keep the destruction that comes with mining out has been bittersweet – seeing the shock and disappointment on the faces of those who were my age then, finding themselves here again. But, it has been a great reminder, both of the power of community – and of how much we have to stand for.
Oceana Gold, you are not, and will never be, welcome on our communities – and neither will any other mining companies – Rua Gold, we see you trying to sneak I there, New Talisman, your bulk sampling is mining, and we see that too – and Otagold, Zealandia Resources, Caladan Industries… you are all on our radar, and none of you are welcome. If you try and mine here – expect resistance. And take a look at our history: 45+ years of keeping mining out.
Here’s to that! To the tenacity and determination of our community! Thank you all!
