Greens’ plan sanctuary to stop seabed mining

The Green Party wants to create an enormous new marine sanctuary off the Taranaki coast, which would prohibit new seabed mining and oil and gas prospecting.

Green Party leader, James Shaw announced the new plan on Tuesday morning when he joined a protest in Hawera against the controversial permit granted by the Environmental Protection Agency to Trans Tasman Resources (TTR) to dredge 50 million tonnes of sand a year from the South Taranaki Bight.

The sanctuary, which would cover 30,000 square kilometres, would prohibit new prospecting, exploration and mining for minerals and phase out any existing mining. It would also prevent further permits for petroleum and mineral prospecting from being granted.

The South Taranaki Bight is home to 38 different mammals, including whales and the highly endangered Maui’s dolphins.

‘‘At around 30,000 square km, this will be New Zealand’s largest marine mammal sanctuary. We will finalise the boundaries working with iwi, communities, the Department of Conservation, and other experts,’’ Shaw said.

South Taranaki iwi, supporters and children from a number of schools formed a human chain at Waihi Beach in Hawera stretching along a walkway towards the town.

The protest, organised by the community of Te Kura Kaupapa Ma¯ori o Nga¯ti Ruanui, was being held to show its support for the iwi’s stand against the TTR permit.

Ngati Ruanui kaiarataki Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said they were expecting several hundred people to join the protest.

The iwi was pleased with the Green Party initiative, she said. A marine sanctuary would allow fishing and other normal activities to continue but prevent seabed mining.

‘‘We are pleased to see the Greens coming up with some innovative ideas, thinking outside the square.

‘‘It gives us hope hope that there’s some better options out there. Hopefully the other parties will be just as innovative.’’

The proposal to create a marine mammal sanctuary has also been put forward by Maori Party candidate for Te Tai Haua¯uru Howie Tamati.

‘‘The creation of a marine mammal sanctuary could be another option to stop the sand-mining off the coast of South Taranaki from going ahead,’’ he said.

Ngati Ruanui is preparing to lodge its appeal against the application later this week.