Howie Tamati Endorses Marine Sanctuary to Protect Seabed From Sand-Mining

Māori Party Candidate for Te Tai Hauāuru Howie Tamati is calling for the establishment of a marine mammal sanctuary off the coast of South Taranaki as a way to protect the seabed from iron-sand mining.

“The creation of a marine mammal sanctuary could be another option to stop the sand-mining off the coast of South Taranaki from going ahead,” he says.

“We know from the evidence that was presented to the EPA that there will be adverse affects on marine mammals, such as the Hector’s Dolphin and the Southern right whale that utilise the area where the seabed mining will take place.”

“So it makes sense to think about protecting their habitat, and putting in place a marine mammal sanctuary is one mechanism we can use to do that.”

Mr Tamati expresses his continued support for Ngāti Ruanui and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi in opposition to the iron-sand mining in their area and stands behind their appeal to the decision of the EPA.

“I’m still upset at the decision of the EPA to let the iron-sand mining go ahead considering all of the evidence that was there to say it would have a huge impact on the sea life in the area.”

“I stand in support of Ngāti Ruanui and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi and their appeal to the EPA’s decision and I will continue to fight in whatever way I can to stop the mining of the seabed in their rohe,” he says.

Note: Mr Tamati has been informed that Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi will not be appealing the decision of the Environmental Protection Authority

ENDS

© Scoop Media