Coromandel Watchdog Delighted With Court of Appeal Mining Decision

Coromandel Watchdog is delighted with the Court of Appeal decision, made today, to allow special leave to appeal a High Court judgment, regarding a prohibition on mining on the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council had prohibited mining in the conservation and coastal zones, but the High Court judgment had severely constrained the use of prohibited activity status as a planning tool in district plans. The Appeal Court decision means that the High Court decision will now be reviewed. It has also allowed both the Auckland City Council and the Auckland Regional Council to join the proceedings in support of Watchdog's case.

Commenting on the decision, Watchdog's spokesperson Denis Tegg said that Watchdog was very pleased indeed with the decision, and greatly appreciated the legal and financial assistance provided to Watchdog by the Environmental Defence Society, the Auckland City Council and the Auckland Regional Council.

"Their support reflects just how vital the use of the prohibited activity status is to councils all over New Zealand."

"Our only regret is that the Thames Coromandel District Council, which worked in partnership with Watchdog before both the Environment Court and the High Court, has chosen not to stand firm alongside Watchdog, and continue the partnership with the appeal to the Court of Appeal."

We have had some preliminary discussions with TCDC regarding the Council re-joining the proceedings, and will now pursue that objective with some vigour", concluded Mr Tegg.

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