With the news that a mining company is making another bid to mine black sand off the seabed, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining is kicking off a series of public meetings down the North Island’s west coast to raise awareness around the issue.
The first meeting will be held at Auckland’s iconic black sand beach, Piha,tomorrow evening, 13 September 7:30pm, followed by Muriwai on Wednesdayevening, then down the coast including Raglan, New Plymouth, Opunake, Hawera and Whanganui.
The meetings start just ahead of the opening of the public submission period on Trans Tasman Resources’ second attempt to get a marine license to mine black sand (iron ore) off the seabed in the South Taranaki Bight. The EPA is expected to notify the four-week public submission period on 20 September.
“We’ve already seen a strong response from our supporters against this latest bid to start this highly destructive and experimental industry in Aotearoa,” said Phil McCabe, KASM chairperson, who will address each of the meetings.
“Given the lack of adequate consultation by the company, we feel it’s important to reach out to the people who live on our beautiful black sand beaches to let them know what’s coming, and encourage them to make their voices heard.”
“Opposition comes from many quarters, including local Iwi, recreational fishers, surfers, beach-goers, and people who have a love for our oceans.”
The first TTR application, in 2013, saw the EPA get a record number of submissions (4800) against the proposal, which it turned down the following year.
“In the wake of this refusal, we’ve seen many companies who had seabed mining permits up the coast let those permits lapse, but a green light this time round could see them coming back,” said McCabe.
KASM public meetings this week
Tuesday 13 September,
Piha Bowling Club, 7.30 pm
contact Cindy Baxter 021 772 661
Wednesday 14 September,
Muriwai Surf Club, 7pm
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