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February 10, 2026
#regional: Forest & Bird Appeals Fast-Tracked Approval of Waihi North Gold Mine – Conservation at Risk
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On February 10, 2026
Forest & Bird has lodged an appeal against the Government’s fast-tracked approval of the controversial Waihi North gold mine project -raising urgent concerns about the future of significant conservation land in the Coromandel and the environmental processes being used to approve new mining developments.
The project – which would expand mining operations north of Waihi and into areas bordering Coromandel Forest Park – was granted approval under New Zealand’s Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, a law designed to speed up decisions on “regionally and nationally significant” projects by combining multiple permitting processes into a single, accelerated pathway.
The Waihi North application by OceanaGold was approved by an expert panel in December 2025, making it one of the first major mining projects to clear the Fast-track process. Supporters of the approval, including Government ministers, argue the project will deliver economic benefits, jobs and export revenue, with projected output valued in the billions over its operational life.
However, critics say that fast-tracking mining projects – particularly those that affect conservation land and sensitive ecological areas – undermines environmental protections and limits meaningful community participation in decisions that will have long-term impacts.
In its appeal, Forest & Bird emphasises that the Waihi North site includes valuable native ecosystems and habitat for threatened species. Conservation advocates argue that mining in or near protected areas should undergo thorough, transparent and robust assessment, rather than being subject to an expedited process that may not fully account for environmental risks or community concerns.
Forest & Bird’s action reflects broader unease among environmental groups about the Fast-track Approvals Act, which has already drawn criticism for potentially limiting public input and environmental oversight. Opponents of the legislation argue that it prioritises development speed over environmental protection and democratic participation in land use decisions.
“We believe that conservation land should be for people and nature, not for mines,” a Forest & Bird spokesperson said in their formal appeal, highlighting the importance of protecting native wildlife and pristine forest environments from irreversible harm.
The Waihi North case comes amid ongoing controversy over fast-tracked consenting legislation in Aotearoa. Environmental groups, iwi representatives and community advocates have repeatedly called for stronger safeguards around projects affecting biodiversity, waterways and landscapes of cultural significance. Critics of the Fast-track Approvals Act have characterised parts of the regime as potentially sidelining local voices and diminishing opportunities for public participation in decisions affecting natural heritage.
Supporters of the legislation argue that efficient consenting processes can deliver economic development and jobs more quickly, especially in sectors like infrastructure and resource extraction. But opponents warn that hastening decisions on projects like Waihi North could set a precedent for future approvals that may prioritise economic interests over environmental and community wellbeing.
Forest & Bird’s appeal is now under review, and it has asked for the fast-tracked approval decision to be reconsidered, with deeper environmental evaluation and greater transparency in the assessment process. The organisation’s action adds a high-profile legal and public policy dimension to a debate that resonates far beyond the Coromandel, touching on how New Zealand balances economic development with environmental stewardship and democratic participation.
Radio Waatea will continue to follow this important story and bring updates as the case progresses.
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