Media Release
11-08-2013

Public Information Meeting: Whangamata District – the Next Waihi?!

Coromandel Watchdog is hosting a public information meeting in Whangamata with speakers from Waihi and information about the mining threats to the Whangamata area.

“There are several mining exploration permits surrounding Whangamata over high-value conservation land, as well as near the small coastal gems of Onemana, Opoutere and Pauanui,” said Watchdog Coordinator Renee Annan. “These areas are totally inappropriate for mining and some people are still unaware of the permits – we want to provide clear maps and information about threats.”

Speakers at the meeting include Waihi residents who have lived with impacts of mining in the centre of their town and information about the negative impacts on property values. Catherine Delahunty MP, a long-time advocate of protecting the Coromandel area from mining, will also be speaking.

“Waihi residents have lived through consistent broken promises from Newmont as well as on-going vibration, noise and dust from the mine. Many residents feel trapped by the mine because it is difficult to sell properties with mining about to happen underneath them.”

“All Whangamata district residents and visitors and invited to join us at this Sunday August 18 to hear from Waihi residents and learn about the threats to the Whangamata area.”

“Watchdog is committed to supporting communities to protect their land and people from the industrialisation and toxicity of gold mining.”

The public information meeting will be held at the Whangamata Baptist Church Hall, Cnr Port Road and Mayfair Ave, Whangamata, 2.00pm on Sunday August 18, 2013. Nibbles and hot drinks provided and maps of impacted areas will be available. Any inquiries to Renee renee@watchdog.org.nz

ENDS

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