27 May 2010

Schedule 4 is already the best compromise

Pleas from the mining industry and Government for a compromise on Schedule 4 ignore its history as the hard won compromise of the previous National Government, the Green Party said today.

“Minister Brownlee and the mining industry continue to pretend that the public cannot remember what was said and done only recently,” Metiria Turei, Green Party Co-leader said.

“It was only a few months back when Mr Brownlee told me emphatically in the House that ‘no one has any intention of mining in National Parks’. How long did that statement last?

“Newmont Waihi Gold said to leave Schedule 4 alone at the top of its press release, but went on to explain exactly how it should be mined, and when,” Mrs Turei said.

Schedule 4 was created in 1997 in a compromise to settle a longstanding dispute between environmentalists and the mining industry. The Conservation Minister at the time, Dr Nick Smith, said: ‘I look forward to not having to consider mining applications in those areas where nature should be able to rule the roost’.

“Both the Government and the mining industry are in a race to the bottom, to see who can be more disingenuous with their claims,” Mrs Turei said.

“Minister Brownlee indicated in the House yesterday that he was determined to listen to the public’s views on the matter, while the Prime Minister is telling the nation that changes to Schedule 4 will occur, notwithstanding public consultation.

“Is it any wonder that 59 percent of the public believe the Government has already made up its mind, and 51 percent say they don’t trust the mining industry?

“We need to recognise that Schedule 4, as it is, already strikes a balance between our economic opportunities and our environmental responsibilities, and should be preserved in perpetuity for all New Zealanders,” Mrs Turei said.

ENDS

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