New Report Shows Mining and Drilling Threats to Northland

Siesmic exploration around Norhtland

The Tuanuku Collective has released a report that pulls together permit areas across and around the Northland region. The information comes from a wide spread of sources that have been pulled together to give the ‘big picture’.

We highlight the threats and impacts of:

* deep sea oil exploration and drilling

* toxic mining for gold and silver

* mega-dredging marine deposits of iron sand

* swamp kauri mining

A seldom-seen map from Government Crown Research Institute GNS Science shows seismic surveys that have already been carried out from north of Cape Reinga to Auckland. This is attached for publication.

Most people don’t realise this controversial seismic testing has been carried out at sea over this vast area around Northland during the past ten years, paid for by the taxpaying public of this country and its data has used to lure global oil giants to the region. The exploration permit for Norwegian Government company Statoil, announced last December is a result of this.

Some exploration permits have silently appeared overnight on the Government website for NZ Petroleum and Minerals, without being noticed by public nor media. People living within permit boundaries are often shocked and angry to know their area is included. The purpose of this report is to allow people access to this information collected together, see maps of local and regional permit areas and encourage us all to take action.

The Tuanuku Collective is a diverse group. The name refers to Papatuanuku, the Maori Earth Mother, and also denotes another meaning, that is ‘to get moving’ on an important issue.

The full report can be viewed and downloaded here: http://www.homelandsea.org.nz/

ends

© Scoop Media