Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui Trust

Media Statement

Ngati Ruanui Endorses EPA Decision

18 June 2014

Ngati Ruanui is jubilant that the application by Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) to mine Iron sands off the Patea coast has been declined by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

“The decision is the correct one. The unproven mining methodology and an inability by the applicant Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) to protect our environment goes to the heart of this decision,” said Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Chief Executive of Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui Trust.

Ngaati Ruanui made extensive submissions to the EPA hearing panel, Mrs Ngarewa-Packer said. “Ngaati Ruanui outlined cultural and environmental concerns. Our expert evidence focused on the poor practices of TTR to adequately consult, and an inability to provide any robust evidence about the mining impacts and the quarry under the sea they were going to create.

“Through our extensive knowledge and expertise Ngaati Ruanui attempted to obtain correct and sound information from TTR, but this was never provided to the standard we expect from a responsible company,” she said.

We are so pleased that the EPA Decision Making Committee has clearly taken into account the evidence we provided.

“Ngaati Ruanui took a community leadership role in the absence of any other group or local council stepping up to the mark. We had people coming to our door hoping the iwi would help protect the environment said Debbie.

“This success represents a new era for our community with iwi taking a stand to protect the environment for everyone.”

End

© Scoop Media