Greens Support Protest Against Mining

Posted by Media Release: Green MP Catherine Delahunty on 21/12/2011

Green Party says no to gold mining on Coromandel conservation land

The Green Party supports protestors against gold mining on conservation land in the Coromandel, Coromandel-based Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty said today.

Protestors in the Coromandel put “No Mining” stickers on the Newmont’s gold drilling rig in the Parakiwai valley this morning.

“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,” Ms Delahunty said.

“Where can the Archey’s frog live if it isn’t even safe on conservation land?”

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 IUCN and can only be found in the Coromandel Peninsula and in the Whareorino Forest. The frogs are very sensitive to pollution because of their semi-permeable skin which will absorb any toxics in their environment.

“Our conservation lands should be kept for conservation, not mining,” said Ms Delahunty.

“The public is clearly against mining on conservation land, but the Government is ignoring public opinion and has allowed proposals such as the Bathurst coal mine on the Denniston Plateau and Newmont’s gold mining on the Coromandel.

“I want to express my support for the protestors saying no to mining in the Coromandel. We love this place and will fight to protect it,” Ms Delahunty said.