Vision Waihi Trust Trustee Appears Before Pike River Royal Commission

Posted by Gold FM on 05/12/2011

johndow

Vision Waihi Trustee John Dow is appearing today before the Royal Commission enquiry into the Pike River disaster. At the time of the accident he was the Chairman of Pike River Coal Ltd.

Today will be Dow's first appearance at the inquiry. The December hearings will examine the role of Pike River Coal Ltd’s Board of Directors in relation to health and safety, and the health and safety systems and safety culture at the mine. The way that Pike River managed risk and complied with mining laws and recognised industry practices will also be investigated.

The Vision Waihi Trust was formed in 2005 based on a trust deed that was developed by the Waihi Community Vision.

The purpose of the Vision Waihi Trust is to focus on bringing proposed projects and ideas that arise from the Waih Community Vision (formerly the WCCC) process into reality. John Dow is one of three trustees. The others are Bill Young and Ian Verrall. Eddie Morrow was appointed CEO of the VWT in March 2006.

The Waihi Community Vision began life as the Waihi Community Consultative Committee (WCCC). 

On the 28th of November 2002 the Hauraki District Council made a resolution that requested Newmont Waihi Gold to "establish a community consultation group without delay to examine any issues, plans, proposals for the Golden Legacy & to make recommendations to Council & Newmont, & to make information available to the public".

A community meeting was held on the 3rd of December that year where it was proposed that Newmont enter into a consultation process with people of Waihi regarding Golden Legacy proposals for the future of Waihi.

A public meeting was held to develop this idea further on 19 May 2003.

At that meeting those present resolved to set up the Waihi Community Consultation Committee (WCCC). This was made up of 23 people representing a number of different community groups and perspectives.

Another public meeting was held on 19 May 2003 where it was resolved that the purpose of the WCCC is to:

“Liaise with and to make recommendations to, the mining company and the District and Regional Councils, on historic and current issues and future planning, to ensure:

  • A healthy future for Waihi;
  • The gaining and maintaining of positive relationships community wide;
  • The environmental, cultural, economic and social viability and stability of the area; and
  • The preservation and enhancement of the heritage of Waihi”.

John Dow is a geologist with over 40 years international experience. He joined Newmont Australia in 1978 where he held senior executive positions.  Mr. Dow has been Non Executive Chairman of Glass Earth Gold Limited since May 2008 and has been Director since February 24, 2006.

He's held many positions in the mining industry over a long career and resigned as Non Executive Chairman of Troy Resources in March this year.