Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki have been assessing the main political parties in terms of their commitment to protecting the environment of the Hauraki Coromandel and other parts of the country from toxic mining and thus contributing to climate issues.
The two major Parties represent either broken promises but some hope for the future (Labour), and no hope for protecting the environment (National).
The Labour Party has reaffirmed the policy which promises a mining ban on DOC land this election, but having said this since 2017 without useful action, they don’t have a lot of credibility.
They also have a policy to extend the “no mining zone” we have on the northern Peninsula to include the southern Hauraki, but again nothing has happened, and our recent petition for a moratorium on new permits on conservation land was not supported by them.
The National Party has always been very keen to support gold mining. The local candidate Scott Simpson makes ambiguous comments about protecting the area from mining “in the wrong place” but has done nothing to support community concerns and opposition to gold minjing over many years. National said on the Straterra election page that “environmental practices embraced today by miners often go beyond what is required”.
The smaller Parties likely to return to Parliament have a range of views.
“Watchdog suggests voters have a good think about which policies and positions offer long term hope, because the decisions we make right now will determine the well being of land and communities in the future.”
Catherine Delahunty
Te Pāti Māori have a strong track record of opposition to mining the seabed in this term of Parliament and we are hopeful they would support similar positive action on the whenua.
The Green Party have a strong policy against toxic hard rock mining and their spokesperson had an excellent Private Members Bill against mining on DOC land which would have made a huge difference to Hauraki and other areas. If they have leverage with Te Pāti Māori there maybe pressure on a Labour Government to act.
ACT do not appear to have any specific written policy position on the environment or mining apart from the climate issue. But they did say on the Strattera election page that mining should be promoted, and they would repeal the ban on mining activity on DOC land if it became law.
NZ FIRST, as in their 2020 mining policy, advocate for encouraging mining activities, higher Crown levies on minerals extracted and the return of 25% of royalties to the regions of source. Shane Jones said on the Strattera election page that “our mineral estate represents great potential for our nation”. They basically just want more mining.
This election we ask voters consider the future – and what legacy the various hopefuls are offering; for biodiversity, for climate and for future generations of all those who rely on our environment for life – including us and our kids!