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A direct action workshop at Whakapara has given people living just north of Whangarei confidence they can stop Evolution Mining from digging up Puhipuhi in search of gold.
Vaughan Potter from Ngai Hau Anti-mining says there's concern any digging would release mercury into aquifers and streams.
He says the workshop organised with Minewatch Northland drew hapu members, farmers, other people in the community and neighbours from Ngati Wai, all with the backing of kaumatua and kuia.
"Some of the stuff we did within the workshop was absolutely fantastic for our people to realise we can do this. Yeah, we might get arrested, we might not get arrested, but we're going to go ahead, we are going to say no to Evolution Mining. We have got a voice, it is our whenua, it is our clean water we want, and we don't need gold," Mr Potter says,
As well as direct action, Ngai Hau Anti-mining is also collecting scientific data to back its case against the company.
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