August 29, 2018
Suck it and see mining ruled illegal
Suck it and see mining ruled illegal
Plans by an Australian company to suck up thousands of tonnes of sand from the sea floor off south Taranaki have been put on hold.
The High court yesterday ruled the Environment Protection Authority misinterpreted the law and it needed to reconsider Trans Tasman Resources‘s application.
Justice Churchman said the adaptive management approach proposed by the company was illegal under the illegal under New Zealand law applying to the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf.
The opponents including Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, Te Ohu Kaimoana, fishing companies and conservation groups said adaptive management was another way of saying suck it and see.
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui says the win for the iwi and the community of Pātea proves that voices and actions count.
She says if the company appeals or pursues its application further, Ngāti Ruanui will stand firm in opposition.
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