Te Pāti Māori Co-leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, has expressed serious concern over the application submitted yesterday by Trans-Tasman Resources (subsidiary of Manuka Resources Ltd) to the Environmental Protection Authority under the proposed Fast-Track Approvals legislation.

“It is deeply disturbing that Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) continues to push for seabed mining in South Taranaki despite overwhelming opposition from local iwi and hapū, including Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāruahine, and a series of legal rulings that have upheld the Treaty rights of mana whenua and the protection of our moana” said Ngarewa-Packer.

“The attempt to bypass environmental scrutiny through the Fast-Track Bill is a direct affront to the integrity of our legal system which has repeatedly rejected this destructive proposal through the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.”

Ngarewa-Packer highlighted the lack of conclusive scientific evidence around the long-term environmental impact, particularly the irreversible damage caused by the sediment plume which threatens marine life, customary fisheries, and coastal ecosystems.

“TTR’s application seeks a 30-year permit without credible environmental safeguards. There is no proven way to contain or monitor the sediment plume, and no guarantee it won’t devastate our ocean and food sources for generations.”

“The government must listen to iwi, hapū, and affected communities who have fought tirelessly for more than a decade to protect our moana. Fast-tracking environmental harm is not progress; it is a betrayal to all who love and live off the moana.”

Ngarewa-Packer is calling for the removal of seabed mining applications from the Fast-Track process, and a return to transparent, Treaty-compliant environmental protection standards.

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