Regatta to Stop Mining in Schedule 4 Waters: Coromandel Harbour

Coromandel Lobby Against Indiscriminate Mining (CLAIM) and Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki will be hosting a regatta next weekend to celebrate the value of the Coromandel Harbour and oppose plans to mine it.

“The event will be held on May 18 from 11.30am with larger boats to be joined by dinghies, kayaks, surfers and swimmers in the water at 12.30pm to show the commitment and support of residents and friends of the Coromandel to protecting what is too precious to mine,” said Watchdog coordinator Renee Annan.

“The Harbour is classed as part of the internal waters of the Coromandel Peninsula and therefore included in Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act. So, what’s the point in allowing prospecting, if any mining is going to be illegal?”
“If the tailings from mining activities of 150 years ago, which are currently deep in the sediments and effectively isolated from the marine environment, are exposed, the Harbour will need to be treated as a contaminated site. Dredging up the seabed could have disastrous impacts on the marine life of the Harbour, and the aquaculture and tourism industries that are the backbone of the local economy.”

“While Watchdog is opposed to the proposal of Sea Group Holdings to dredge for gold and silver, we fully support moves to have an informed public discussion about the future of Coromandel Harbour, including the town wharf. Tangata whenua and residents need to be engaged in a positive process with all stakeholders involved. Sustainable development for Coromandel depends on a vision that is holistic and shared by the community, not piecemeal proposals floated by outsiders.”

“This is an opportunity to stand together to defend the integrity of the Coromandel Harbour, the integrity of Schedule Four and the right to protest at sea, all in a fun and inclusive way - we invite you to stand with us,” said Ms Annan.

People are warmly invited to join us at Wyuna Bay with speakers at 12.00pm, the regatta arriving at 12.30 and then live music and a bbq available for the afternoon. Wyuna Bay is a 5 minute drive from Coromandel township and Watchdog encourages people to carpool where possible.

Those interested in joining the regatta should contact the campaign coordinator Ruby Powell on 0221027414 or ruby@watchdog.org.nz .

ENDS

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