Te Runanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust welcomes an environmental initiative designed to stop seabed mining in its tracks.

Kaiarataki Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the Green Party’s plan to create Aotearoa’s largest marine mammal sanctuary along the South Taranaki Bight was the type of innovative thinking Ngāti Ruanui expected from central government.

“The Green Party approached us last week with a plan to protect the Blue Whale feeding ground discovered along the South Taranaki Bight.

“We welcome this solution, which won’t adversely affect the fishing industry but will ensure these critically endangered marine mammals are protected.

“Along with stopping seabed mining outright, this sanctuary would ensure future generations won’t lose a vital piece of their environment.”

Te Runanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust is also throwing its support behind all our schools who gathered to oppose seabed mining.

Today, environmental guardians from all local Kura created a human chain around the Waihi Beach entrance to signal their opposition to seabed mining.

“This is something that affects the whole community and we are proud to see so many different organisations coming together to show their opposition to seabed mining,” Ngarewa-Packer said

Te Runanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust will lodge an appeal against the Environmental Protection Authority’s decision to allow seabed mining on Thursday.

ENDS

© Scoop Media