Taranaki seabed mining application rejected – The Treaty protects NZ (and Pakeha) once again

Massive win for moana as Taranaki seabed mining application rejected

Greenpeace along with iwi and environmental groups are calling the decision to reject Trans Tasman Resources proposal to mine the Taranaki seafloor “a massive win for people power and the ocean”.

In a draft decision, released today, the Fast Track expert panel declined the Australian company’s application to mine the seabed in the South Taranaki Bight.

The panel declined consent for the project, finding it would likely cause material harm to marine ecosystems, threatened species like pygmy blue whales and penguins, and concluded it could not be safely managed, even with conditions attached.

Greenpeace Aotearoa seabed mining spokesperson Juressa Lee says: “This is the outcome we have been fighting for over 12 years. It shows exactly what happens when communities, iwi, experts and ocean protectors stand together.

“This win today is a powerful validation of what iwi and the communities of Taranaki and Aotearoa have been saying for years – seabed mining is simply too destructive to go ahead.

Despite the fast tracking powers and the attempt by this Government to water down all our environmental protections, this environmental vandalism has ben stoped, thanks in part the amazing environmental activist, Iwi and the Treaty!

• Decision-makers had to consider effects on iwi rights, customary interests, and Treaty obligations as part of the statutory process.

• Concerns raised by Māori included impacts on kaimoana, coastal ecosystems, and kaitiakitanga responsibilities, which are tied to Treaty principles and recognised in NZ environmental law.

• These Treaty-related considerations strengthened the case against the project, particularly around protection of taonga species and marine areas.

Once again the Treaty protects Pakeha from the worst environmental damage!