Weekend release by Brownlee correcting mistakes still obfuscates

This morning's release by Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee correcting some of his misinformation about mining under the last Labour government is a welcomed acknowledgment of yet another mistake by the National government on this issue, Labour conservation spokesperson David Parker said.

"But still Mr Brownlee tries to imply that Labour allowed mining in Schedule 4 areas. Of course we did not.

“It would have been both wrong in principle and illegal - illegal because the only disturbance allowed by law on schedule 4 areas is 100 square metres (ie 10m by 10m).Yet, National continues to imply Labour allowed mining in schedule 4 National Parks.

“The only two instances he can find show how wrong he is: 1. The Pike River coal mine, which is not on the Paparoa National Park but has four 1.5m diameter emergency exit/ ventilation shafts in the park (ie less than the 100 square metre minor effects allowance). 2. A small garnet mine in Paparoa that was either allowed (or renewed) before that part of the National Park was even added to schedule 4!"

"National continues to tie itself in knots alleging otherwise, but the reality is clear. We never allowed mining in Schedule 4 areas."

"Our stance has been consistent in this debate. There should be no mining in Schedule 4 areas. These are National Parks plus parts of the Coromandel and Great Barrier Island."

"National's other assertion - often repeated by Mr Brownlee this week - that Labour is opposed to all mining is also simply untrue.

“We do think there are many places where mining is appropriate, both elsewhere on the DOC estate and on private land. The figures Mr Brownlee released about mining allowed by Labour in other conservation areas (ie outside schedule 4 areas) indeed prove that very point.

“Thank-you Gerry,” David Parker said.

ENDS

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