Govt considers mining in Mt Aspiring National Park

Posted in: In the News: Wednesday, 02 December 2009

Govt considers mining in Mt Aspiring National Park

Radio New Zealand - 2 December 2009

The Green Party says government officials are investigating the opening up of a fifth of Mount Aspiring National Park to potential mining.

The party on Tuesday released an excerpt from a document it says is being circulated by Government officials tasked with investigating the mining of parts of the conservation estate.

The document includes a recommendation by officials that the northeast section of the Mount Aspiring National Park - about 20% of the total area - be considered for removal from Schedule Four protection.

The Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei says that would be a serious attack on a major economic resource.

"They're talking about taking a fifth of that area, which is a vast resource in terms of the biodiversity the ecosystem services and fresh water - the tourism values."

Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee says no decisions have yet been made and accuses the Greens of scaremongering.

"What I would suggest to them is, if they are seriously concerned, take up some sort of a camping position high on Mt Aspiring and wait for the bulldozers. I think they'll be there a very long time."

But the Government says it is no secret it is doing a stocktake of mineral resources.

Straterra, a lobby group for the mining and energy sectors, says it makes sense for the Government and the public to have a full understanding of the country's mineral wealth.

Mr Brownlee says he expects to receive the report in the coming weeks.