11 September 2011

Waihi residents receive no answers on extension of mining

A public meeting of Waihi residents affected by the expansion of mining in their town received no coherent responses from Newmont about their uncertain future says the Green Party.

About 80 locals attended the meeting that was organised by the Distressed Residents Group and facilitated by Green MP Catherine Delahunty.

“The biggest issues for the residents are the impact on property values, the inability to guarantee insurance for their properties, the impact of vibration from underground mining, and the fear that they trapped in an uncertain situation for the foreseeable future,” said Catherin Delahunty.

"One resident told the meeting they were prisoners of the mine and under house arrest.

“When asked if Newport would purchase the houses of those who want to sell and get out they were basically told they would be dealt with case by case.

“Residents don’t want to be dealt with case by case. They want answers for their community. About a third of those at the meeting indicated they want to sell, so Newport needs to deal with these people as a group.

“The people were not satisfied with previous compensation for the impacts of the mine on residents and want us to organise meetings with a range of consenting authorities as well as Newmont.

“They were not happy that the Hauraki District Council did not attend the meeting and at least listen to their concerns. They know that the Council is part of the consent process but they feel powerless and they want clarity around the process.

“They said they want a Council that supports the citizens of Waihi in dealing with a hugely powerful multinational. We are aware that the Council is holding a meeting for residents next week but they should also be prepared to attend forums organised by citizens.

“The people are also interested in whether the Earthquake Commission will cover them for any further subsidence in Waihi.”

"Individually these families are very vulnerable, collectively they are in a better position to negotiate and to try and gain some greater public good from their unfortunate situation.

“I will continue to support DRAT in organising meetings for the residents and trying to address the power imbalance between these residents and Newmont. Waihi people deserve better than this.”

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