Independent research shows support for iron ore harvesting from South Taranaki seabed
6 June 2013, WELLINGTON: The vast majority of people from Taranaki and Whanganui (New Plymouth down to Whanganui) agree
with the development of New Zealand’s natural resources, including iron ore, as long as the environment is protected and
benefits flow to communities.
This is the key finding of a recent independent survey – 87% of 327 people surveyed support the responsible development
of all of New Zealand’s natural resources; South Taranaki iron ore in particular.
The survey was conducted by well-respected independent market research specialist Pauline Colmar during late February
and early March by phone. It has a maximum margin of error of 5.4%.
The survey found 69% of participants agree overall with the development of natural resources but the strength of the
positive response increases where jobs and economic benefits to communities, regions and country are evident. The most
attractive provisos are ‘if local people are employed’, ‘if the money stays in New Zealand’ and ‘if the environment is
protected’.
Pauline Colmar says: “There is a sense that the resources are there and should be used.”
Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd (TTR) commissioned the survey to ascertain the interest in and support for its plans to
harvest iron ore from the seabed off the South Taranaki coast inshore from the Kupe gas field production platform that
lies about 30km off Manaia.
TTR Chief Executive Tim Crossley says the survey results are heartening and have underscored and emphasised the messages
the company has heard loud and clear; that care of the environment is the number one issue for residents.
“It also tells us very clearly what we must do to earn the social licence to operate.
“The people of Taranaki can be assured that TTR shares and understands the concerns highlighted in the survey and is
spending very significant sums with independent expert scientists, from organisations like NIWA, to assess any likely
effects caused by mining to the seabed, sea life, fish, beaches and shoreline.
“These experts will recommend mitigation to minimise any issues identified,” he adds.
“We are also delighted to see that the benefits of developing the iron sand resource are seen to be jobs, money and
benefits to the community, region and country. Early economic modelling shows that our project will generate around 540
direct new jobs alone.”
He says he is looking forward to presenting a wide range of environmental, social and economic research studies to the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when the company lodges applications for consents.
“We recognise consents depend on protecting New Zealand’s valuable environment and that the EPA will scrutinise our
application very closely.
“TTR is here for the long term. Our harvesting operation, while covering a relatively tiny space, will produce for at
least 20 years, providing long term employment and money to the local community, while also earning valuable overseas
funds for New Zealand.”
Key findings of the research are:
· Attitudes to the harvesting of iron ore are markedly similar to attitudes to the development of all New Zealand’s
natural resources.
· Agreement is strengthened where jobs and economic benefits to community, region and country, are evident. There is
also a sense that the iron ore is there and should be used.
· 87% of the Taranaki adults surveyed believe we need to harvest New Zealand’s natural resources to improve our economic
prosperity and standards of living.
· 26% of the Taranaki adults surveyed have already heard of Trans-Tasman Resources, although a lot do not know much
about TTR. The company’s rating with those who have heard of Trans-Tasman Resources is favourable – 30% good, 8% poor
and 62% neutral or don’t know.
· People want more information, especially on the environmental impacts of harvesting iron ore.
· 50% are aware of TTR’s plans “to harvest iron ore from the sea bed off the coast of South Taranaki”.
· Newspapers, television and the Internet are the main sources of information about TTR and development of natural
resources.
Research design:
· 327 interviews conducted between February 28 and March 10, 2013.
· 219 interviews non-coastal, including Wanganui and New Plymouth, and 108 coastal from Patea to Opunake, including
Hawera, to reflect importance of coastal proximity.
· Some questions asked were as per the Solid Energy measure of 1000 New Zealanders February/ March 2012 for comparisons.
· Attitude questions were asked in rotated order.
· Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) with a household selected random sample of the Taranaki population
(18+ years); up to six calls to reach a person; 10% audit of all interviews; Consumer Link (an independent interviewing
company).
· Results are weighed by age, gender and area to be representative of the New Zealand population.
· Research design, questionnaire and reporting were all done by Pauline Colmar, an independent market research
specialist.
Research objectives:
· A sample of Taranaki people, 18 years and older, was surveyed about their attitudes, beliefs and perceptions –
specifically:
· Attitudes to development of all natural resources, including coal, oil, gas, minerals and iron sands.
· Awareness, knowledge and perceptions of Trans-Tasman Resources.
· Attitudes to the harvesting of South Taranaki iron ore.
· Sources of information.
· To set a benchmark for future research to measure any changes over time.
Ends