Coromandel conservation land should be protected from mining

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Source: Green Party – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Coromandel conservation land should be protected from mining



The fact that the Archey’s frog isn’t safe on conservation land is a sad indictment on the National Government.

Exploratory mining on Conservation land which is home to the world’s rarest frog needs to stop and any further mining ruled out, the Green Party said today.

Locals are peacefully protesting in the Parakiwai Valley in the Coromandel today where the drilling company Glass Earth, contracted by Newmont Gold, is drilling core samples to test for gold content.

“The Parakiwai Valley is home to the world’s most endangered frog, the native New Zealand Archey’s frog. Despite living on conservation land, the frog is still threatened by mining,” Green Party mining spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said.

“Conservation land is called that for a reason. The future of this special species of frog is at stake and all efforts should be made to protect it, not undermine its chances.

“The fact that the Archey’s frog isn’t safe on conservation land is a sad indictment on the National Government.”

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As well as being one of the rarest frogs, the Archey’s frog is one of the world’s smallest and most ancient. It is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and can only be found in the Coromandel Peninsula and in the Whareorino Forest in the King Country. The frogs are very sensitive to pollution because of their semi-permeable skin which will absorb any toxins in their environment.

“The Parakiwai Valley should be given Schedule 4 protection under the Crown Minerals Act, which would prohibit mining in the area,” said Ms Delahunty.

“This valley has biodiversity values which deserve the highest protection.

“I support the protestors opposing mining in the Coromandel. We love this place and will fight to protect it,” Ms Delahunty said.

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