Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki is an environmental organisation lobbying in opposition to mining on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand.
![](http://upload.luquay.com/wikipedia/en/5/52/Coromandel_Watchdog_logo.png)
The Coromandel Peninsula is an area of high scenic values due to the presence of the original forest cover and a coastline that is popular for recreation. Goldmining has been carried out since the late 19th century. To the south of the peninsula the Martha Mine at Waihi is still operating.[1]
Coromandel Watchdog began protests and lobbying in the 1970s against the activities of mining companies. It was instrumental in having conservation land on the Coromandel Peninsula protected under Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act.
In 2009, Watchdog was reactivated after a period of inactivity. The National-led Government was proposing the removal of up to 2,500 hectares (6,200 acres) of Coromandel land from Schedule 4. Coromandel Watchdog publicly stated that they would fight the proposal.[citation needed] In 2010 the government confirmed that no land would be removed from Schedule 4.[2]
In 2020 the group opposed an underground gold mine proposed by OceanaGold in the Wharekirauponga bush. The area is home to the critically-endangered Archey's frog.[3] Also in 2020 the group brought a judicial review of a decision to grant permission for OceanaGold to expand mining operations near Waihi, however they lost and were ordered to pay costs.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Waihi Operation", OceanaGold, archived from the original on 17 January 2024, retrieved 7 February 2024
- ^ Brownlee, Gerry; Wilkinson, Kate (21 June 2010), "No land to be removed from Schedule 4", The Beehive, New Zealand Government, archived from the original on 4 October 2023, retrieved 7 February 2024
- ^ Thomas, Rachel (1 December 2020), "Anti-mining group fights Coromandel gold mining business", RNZ, archived from the original on 8 July 2022, retrieved 7 February 2024
- ^ Tantau, Kelley (13 September 2020), "High Court rules against attempt to overturn OceanaGold mining investment", Stuff, archived from the original on 26 July 2022, retrieved 7 February 2024
External links
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