We have, since 2013 when the then national Government changed it, campaigned to have to Purpose of the Crown Minerals Act changed from an Act to ‘promote’ mining back to one to ‘manage’ mining. Prior to the 2013 Amendment, the Act had been ‘An Act to restate and reform the law relating to the management of Crown owned minerals’, but an amendment in 2013 saw a range of changes designed to help facilitate mining in Aotearoa New Zealand introduced, including the change of Purpose..
When it was changed to an Act that had this Purpose of promotion, it became basically unique in New Zealand law; there are no other Acts which have the promotion of one industry as their primary stated Purpose.
We were very happy that on August 30, 2023, the Labour Government has amended the Act, including the Purpose, which replaces “promote”
with “manage”
.
This change, although seemingly minor, has significant implications for everyone with decision making roles, from central Government, to local Councils; removing the requirement for them to give affect to ‘promotion’ of mining activities, and restoring the role of management, it will enable Councils to treat consents for mining related activity differently.
There are a range of other amendments that are to be supported, although we do not believe they go far enough; specifically relating to how mana whakahaere are engaged with during the permitting process.
We remain disappointed that Labour has failed again in this term to honour the promise made when they took office 6 years ago that there would be no new mines in conservation land, but we are pleased that at least they have made this vital change!