Ngati Ruanui in Court Fighting Iron Sand Mining

Press Release

Ngati Ruanui Iwi Leads First Day in Court Fighting Iron Sand Mining

Ngati Ruanui, South Taranaki Iwi, led the charge on the first day of the High Court Appeal against the Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd (TTR) proposal to mine iron sand off the south Taranaki Coast.

Consent was granted to TTR last year by the Environmental Protection Authority.

Through their legal team and QC Francis Cooke Ngati Ruanui set out six key points where the EPA made significant legal errors according to Ngati Ruanui. These errors highlighted included not establishing environmental standards and imposing conditions that were not allowed for discharge consents.

Ngati Ruanui commenced the first day of the hearing with formal blessing in the court room. This is a significant day for us, said Debbie Ngarewa-Packer Kaiarataki of Ngati Ruanui. The protection of our coast line and ensuring future generation can enjoy and continue to use our coastal waters goes to the heart of who we are as tangata whenua.

Ngati Ruanui has also actively opposed submissions presented to the Court by the EPA.

Ngati Ruanui is shocked that a Government Agency would present evidence in such an unbalanced way clearly supporting the applicant TTR. We have actively challenged this said Debbie, as we just cannot understand why a government funded body could act in this manner; where is the neutrality!

As a small Iwi we also find our-self leading this appeal for our community said Debbie. The wider community has been supporting and assisting where they can. Iwi are now often put in the position of protecting environmental interests for all. We find ourselves in a privileged position leading this way; not just our people but others who’s futures may very well be affected should our oceans become polluted with sands and other discharges for the next 35 years.

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