Protesters Send Miners Home for Christmas

Today a group of locals and regular visitors to the Coromandel have visited the gold mining rig which is once again in the Parakiwai valley, just south of Whangamata. The protest is being organised by Earthwatch Whangamata with support from Coromandel Watchdog.

“We are planning to send a very clear message that mining is not welcome in the valley or in other parts of the Coromandel. This is a area which is of very significant value. Not only is the area high in ecological and recreational value, but it is also home to the world's most endangered species of frog, our native Archey’s frog.” says Rosemary Segedin, spokesperson for Earthwatch Whangamata.

Local residents and regular visitors believe that given the very unique conditions which exist in the Parakiwai valley, this is a area which deserves protection from the threat of mining and the damage to the unique environment which mining brings. The thousands of summer tourists are on their way, showing the real value of the Coromandel is in sustainable tourism. The drilling which is going on is only a few hundred metres from the Otahu ecological reserve which is protected under schedule 4.

“New Zealanders showed their opposition in tens of thousands last year to mining in our special areas and will be devastated to know that the mining companies have been drilling and investigating in many Coromandel areas non-stop since then” says Rosemary

Earthwatch Whangamata and Coromandel Watchdog urge the mining company and government to leave the Coromandel free from mining and to commit to the protection of species such as the rare and ancient Archey’s frog and its natural habitat for the future

ENDS

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