#national: Seabed Mining Rejection Hailed as Major Victory for Moana and Community Action

Environmental groups, iwi and ocean advocates are celebrating after a Fast Track expert panel issued a draft decision declining Trans-Tasman Resources’ bid to mine iron sands from the seabed in the South Taranaki Bight.

Greenpeace Aotearoa, alongside iwi and community groups, has described the decision as a significant milestone in a long-running campaign to protect the moana and marine ecosystems.

The draft ruling found the proposed mining operation would likely cause significant environmental harm, particularly to marine biodiversity and threatened species.

The panel concluded the project posed credible risks to marine ecosystems and vulnerable wildlife, including pygmy blue whales and penguin populations, and determined the impacts could not be safely managed, even if conditions were applied.

The decision effectively halts Trans-Tasman Resources’ application to extract iron sands from the South Taranaki seabed – a proposal that has been the subject of sustained legal, environmental and community opposition for more than a decade.

Greenpeace Aotearoa seabed mining spokesperson Juressa Lee said the outcome reflects years of collective advocacy by iwi, environmental experts and community groups.

Lee said the resistance to seabed mining extends beyond Aotearoa, highlighting growing opposition across the Pacific region.

Environmental campaigners are now urging the Government to introduce a full ban on seabed mining, particularly as the country approaches another election year.

Lee said public opposition to seabed mining has been significant, with tens of thousands of New Zealanders calling for stronger protections.

Opposition to the Taranaki seabed mining proposal has involved a combination of legal challenges, community mobilisation and direct protest action.

Greenpeace activists occupied the offices of mining industry lobby group Straterra in September 2024 as part of the campaign. Months later, activists working alongside Ngāti Ruanui disrupted the annual general meeting of Manuka Resources in Sydney, the parent company of Trans-Tasman Resources.

Lee said the campaign demonstrates the strength of community and iwi leadership in environmental protection.

For many iwi and coastal communities, opposition to seabed mining has been grounded in both environmental protection and cultural responsibilities of kaitiakitanga.

The South Taranaki Bight is considered an ecologically and culturally significant marine environment, supporting fisheries, marine mammals and customary harvesting areas.

While the Fast Track panel’s decision marks a major step, it remains a draft determination and is subject to final confirmation following further procedural steps.

The outcome adds to the growing national debate around balancing economic development with environmental protection and Māori rights and interests in marine resources.

For now, environmental groups and iwi leaders say the decision represents a strong message about the importance of protecting the moana for future generations.