Fools Gold

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Many people are concerned about the loss of these conservation areas, and have made a lot of information available to the public.

Wonderful groups & organisations…👇

Red/orange graphic design of earthmover and dead bird
Image from Forest & Bird.

Ngāi Tahu leader Edward Ellison (Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou)has stated they are looking at its (Santana’s) reports, but there is concern and scepticism. “If they get started they won’t be leaving Central Otago. There is a lot at stake.” – AND Kā Rūnaka has signalled that granting approvals could be in breach of Treaty settlements.

Santana’s failure to meet treaty obligations means its fast-track application to mine gold at Bendigo must be rejected, Ngāi Tahu says. ‘Consequently, consents cannot be granted for the current application regardless of any claimed short-term national or regional economic benefits.’’

And what about Government??

The proposed Bendigo-Ophir goldmine is being processed through the government’s Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, a framework supported by the National-led government to accelerate major infrastructure and mining projects. 

The coalition government led by the National Party and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, comprises of the ACT Party and New Zealand First. The coalition supports the development of the Santana Minerals Bendigo-Ophir gold project in Central Otago, citing reasons such as reviving regional economies by providing jobs and infrastructure. 

MP for Waitaki, National Party Miles Anderson, describes the proposed Bendigo-Ophir mine as a major economic opportunity with potential to generate significant GDP for Otago and maintain a population with higher paying jobs. 

You can contact Miles Anderson HERE

Critics argue the Act strips away environmental protections and reduces public consultation opportunities. Critics argue that the Fast-track Act centres profit over people and environment.

Labour List MP and former West Coast farmer Damien O’Connor is set to run against Miles Anderson for the Waitaki electorate at the election.

You can contact Damien O’Connor HERE.

Greens pledge to revoke fast-track consents for coal, hard-rock gold, seabed mining projects RNZ

Read: Comments from invited parties

The expert panel invites written comments on the application from the persons or groups set out in section 53(2) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

And Santana? 

Illustration By Bruce Mahalski