Anti Mining Action tomorrow

Action Coordination Group

Thursday 16 June 2016

On Friday 17 June, the group coordinating action in relation to Evolution Mining Ltd’s proposed activities on Puhipuhi will be holding the second of a rolling series of actions since Evolution moved drilling equipment on to the mountain under cover of darkness last week.

Members of the Action Group Ngāti Hau Anti-Mining Group and MineWatch Northland have already hosted community action training for those wanting to help shut down Evolution’s operations at Puhipuhi, north of Whangarei. Last Saturday, in immediate response to Evolution’s unwanted operations, the Group led a Hikoi - by car and on foot - up Puhipuhi mountain (see TVOne News: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/northland-residents-dead-set-against-potential-gold-rush).

Now the group – which also includes Ngati Hau Kaumatua Kuia and Ngati Hau Resource Management – is calling for numbers of opponents to a picket this Friday at Evolution Mining Ltd’s unmarked Headquarters in Bank Street, central Whangarei.

“We are taking a message to Evolution Mining that any mining they do will be toxic to waterways,” says Tim Howard, MineWatch Northland spokesperson. "All of us would be downstream from any future mining. That’s why we don’t want them to start any of their operations!”

“Evolution has not consulted with our iwi and hapu, even if they do say otherwise.” says Vaughan Potter, spokesperson for the Ngāti Hau Anti-Mining Group. “Our message is clear for them to hear. Go home! You are not wanted in our community.”

“We don’t want their toxic operations on our whenua polluting our lands and waterways – and nor does the wider community,” said Allan Halliday of Ngati Hau Resource Management Unit. “We are bringing our spades and more to show they shouldn’t be leaving their toxic waste in our communities, our lands, for us to clean up.“

“Ngāti Hau kaumatua and kuia have said a resounding no to mining at Puhipuhi and so many others throughout the district are on board as well – families, farmers, our whanaunga from Ngāti Wai and so on. Now the fight is on!” says Ngati Hau Kaumataua and Kuia spokesperson Benjamin Pittman.

When: Friday 17 June, 4pm – 5.30pm

Where: Evolution HQ, corner Bank St & Apirana Ave (near McDonalds carpark)

ENDS

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