Fair hearing for mining submitters

Submitters on Thames-Coromandel's Proposed District Plan were given plenty of opportunity to express themselves at this week's hearings in Thames.

Mark Farnsworth, Chair of the Hearings Panel, warmly encouraged submitters to relax and express the views of their organisations or those they represented, recognising that the formality of the occasion could cause nerves in presenters.

"Our aim," he says, speaking for the Hearings Panel, "is to have everyone leave the day feeling that they've had a fair hearing, and we're going out of our way to do that. We want to be as fair and balanced as possible."

An attentive and respectful audience listened to professional and quality presentations from industry and community groups as they discussed their submissions on the Proposed Plan's approach to mining.

The Hearings Panel, which, in addition to Mr Farnsworth, includes Ian Munro and Councillor Tony Fox - all qualified commissioners - used thoughtful questions to draw submitters out further to understand their points more thoroughly.

Presenters over the last two days included Newmont Waihi Gold, Coromandel Watchdog, HG Leach, Alastair Brickell, Penny Taylor, Clive Monds, Hauraki Prospectors Association, Betty Williams, Suzanne Williams for Nga Kaitiaki, Greenspot Guardians and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on NZ Petroleum and Minerals.

The Hearings Panel will reconvene in February and for more information and timelines see the Proposed District Plan section of our website here.

ends

© Scoop Media