Phil Goff
Leader of the Labour Party

19 July 2010 Media Statement
Kiwis don’t want mining in Schedule 4 land

Prime Minister John Key needs to remember that his Government is simply guardian for the time being of the Conservation Estate which belongs to all Kiwis, Labour Leader Phil Goff says.

“More than 40,000 Kiwis have made submissions and taken to the streets to oppose the National Government’s plans to open schedule four land up to mining,” Phil Goff said.

“Kiwis feel strongly that National Parks, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel and highly valued areas of the conservation estate belong to all New Zealanders and that our generation are trustees for those who come after us. These areas shouldn’t be opened up to exploitation by overseas mining companies, for their benefit at a long term cost to New Zealanders.

“When National announced its plans to allow increased mining in areas like Coromandel and Great Barrier Island, I took the time to visit these places and talk to the locals and they were adamant that they did not want John Key’s mining plans.

“During its time in office Labour struck a balance between conservation values and economic benefits by allowing mining in areas outside of National Parks and schedule four land.

“But the National Government plan does away with that balance and instead risks damaging New Zealand’s tourism industry and this country’s reputation as a world leader on conservation and biodiversity issues.

“The economic benefits touted by John Key on this mining issue have been massively overstated and we look forward to Mr Key admitting he got it wrong.

“National needs to back away from its disastrous plan to allow mining in Schedule 4 land, admit it got it wrong and find ways to create sustainable economic growth, in areas such as added value and clean tech,” Phil Goff said.

ENDS

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