Permit decision victory for conservation

The Green Party is welcoming the news that no mining permits have been granted over Pureora Forest Park.

The National Government had last year invited expressions of interest for mining companies to explore for gold over an area which included the Pureora Forest Park. Today they announced the outcome of that non-financial tender, the ‘Epithermal Gold 2013’ process for new metallic mineral exploration permits in New Zealand. The one permit granted today covers 33 square kilometres and is not on conservation land.

“Pureora, home to ancient giant totara and endangered kokako, is too precious to mine, so the Government shouldn’t be inviting companies to explore for gold there,” said Green Party mining spokesperson Catherine Delahunty.

“That the Government has only granted one permit, which doesn’t even appear to be within the original tender area, is another example of this Government’s failed mining agenda.

“The Green Party plan to move the economy away from dependence on mining, dairy and logs towards local, high tech and greentech industries, will put our economy on a sustainable path and create good jobs,” said Ms Delahunty.

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