NZ First New Mining Policy Is Outdated Vandalism – Coromandel Watchdog
NZ First’s new mining policy is being sold as regional development. But scratch the surface and it looks more like outdated extraction economics dressed up as opportunity — minimal royalties, offshore profits, and environmental damage left behind for New Zealanders to deal with.
Environmental group Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki says the NZ First mining policy announced today is extremely outdated and represents inaccurate ideas about the environment and the industry.
A mining policy stuck in the past
“The claim that we do not know what mineral resources we have in this country is simply wrong. GNS Science has already surveyed and reported the geological data. The plan to further fast track mining and include protected areas is not only outdated, but is a destructive, vandalistic approach to Aotearoa’s unique environment.”
Follow the money — and who actually benefits
“The idea that half the royalties could go to the regions is a pathetic promise; given that royalties are up to only 2% of the value of what is exported. Metals, such as gold, are processed (and reach their more valuable state) offshore – total minerals royalty revenue in the 2024/2025 year was just over $15 million (according to NZ Petroleum and Minerals). And we all know that $7.5 million, spread across the regions, is hardly going to be a game changer,” said Catherine Delahunty, Chair of Coromandel Watchdog. “It wouldn’t even cover the damage to already struggling roads that adding in industrial heavy vehicle movements would bring, let alone things like water services, flood protection, energy generation, tourism and transport.”
“Has NZ First not noticed the recent mine closure on the West Coast and the mining job losses in Australia? Mining relies on large and affordable diesel supplies which cannot be guaranteed. It relies on commodity prices which experience cycles of instability. But most of all the threat to the environment in this policy is irresponsible, and is a 19th century solution to a 21st century problem.” Ms Delahunty said.
She urged voters to think about the importance of clean water and supporting economic activity that is what we value rather than industries that leave a legacy of toxic waste while profits go offshore.
If this is the economic vision on offer — dig it up, ship it out, and hope the scraps trickle back — then calling it development is generous. What’s being proposed isn’t a future-facing strategy. It’s extraction with better PR.
