Nikki Kaye
MP for Auckland Central

22 March 2010

Auckland Central MP to work with constituents on the Great Barrier Island mining issue

The release of the discussion paper on the preliminary Government stocktake of Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act gives Aucklanders the chance to have their say on whether a small amount of Great Barrier Island should be removed from Schedule Four, says Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye.

Currently, more than half of Great Barrier Island (15,250 hectares out of a total of approximately 28,500 hectares) is included under Schedule Four, where mining other than minimum impact activity, is prohibited.

The discussion paper proposes removing from Schedule Four approximately 705 hectares on Great Barrier Island, and adding approximately 817 hectares on two small nearby islands – a net gain of 112 hectares.

“From my discussions with constituents, I know this is an issue that many people feel strongly about. This is their chance to ensure their views are known ,” Ms Kaye said.

Ms Kaye encourages concerned constituents to read the discussion paper and make a submission.

“My personal view is that when environmental and economic factors are taken into account and given the islands status in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park mining on Great Barrier Island doesn’t stack up.”

“I’ll be strongly advocating that position to my colleagues in the government.” concluded Ms Kaye.

Further information, including the discussion paper and maps, is available at www.med.govt.nz/schedule4.

Submissions on the discussion paper close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 4 May 2010.

ENDS

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