Karangahake community expects large turnout for anti-mining rally

Karangahake locals are looking forward to this weekend's rally and concert, when hundreds are expected to flock to the Gorge to show support for the community in its strong opposition to gold mining in the area.

The rally, organised by locals, calls on people from across the region and beyond to come to the Karangahake Gorge, an iconic piece of conservation estate at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, and demonstrate support for the protection of conservation land in New Zealand.

Karangahake local and event organiser Beccy Dove says the rally is a chance for everyone in the wider community to get involved in their campaign.

"We're really excited - the rally is a chance to engage the wider community personally in protecting Karangahake and places like it."

"Our precious, wild places are under threat right now - Karangahake is a symbol of what is happening to conservation land across New Zealand and it's vital that we keep it safe; for all of New Zealand to enjoy.

"We're expecting a big turn-out and we're encouraging people from far and wide to come enjoy our event, have a walk in the Gorge, enjoy listening to music performed by local musicians, and take part in banner painting. We've created it with fun in mind; we want people to enjoy spending time with us out in nature on the mountain, so they can understand how it important it is to us," she says.

The rally takes place on Saturday, September 2nd, right by the Karangahake Hall, and will feature guest speakers, music, banner painting, food and more. Local cafe owners are offering discounts to those attending the rally in support of the community's effort to protect Karangahake from mining.

"It's great to see such wonderful support from everyone in our community," says Dove.

"Our local businesses are completely dependent on the beauty of this region and the Gorge draws thousands of tourists to the area each year, bringing with them an enormous boost to the local economy.

"This mountain is more than precious to us - it's our way of life," she says.

The rally follows months of protests from locals against mining company New Talisman Gold, which is currently prospecting for gold deep in the heart of conservation land in the Karangahake Gorge. Last week nine people blocked the road to the mine site, stopping the company from accessing the site and creating nation-wide headlines. The community was previously thrown into the spotlight when they made global headlines in The Guardian last month.

Since then, the resolve of the community to stop mining in their community is growing stronger, says Dove.

"We are more determined than ever to get mining out of conservation land here in Karangahake and our rally and concert is a chance for people from far and wide to gather and support this. Let's keep our wild places for people and nature - not for mining companies and big business!"

More information about the rally and concert following it can be found at www.protectkarangahake.org.nz

ends

© Scoop Media