Mining in New Zealand

Fracking: FRACK NO!

Demand an immediate moratorium on fracking in New Zealand - send a postcard to Minister Heatley

Demand an immediate moratorium on fracking in New Zealand - send a postcard to Minister Heatley

We want the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment to conduct an inquiry into the practice of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in New Zealand, and to report the results of the inquiry to the House.

In the mean time we need a moratorium on fracking in New Zealand both onshore and offshore.

Read more about fracking

Pike River and mine safety

Following the Pike River tragedy, the Government has instituted a Royal Commission of Inquiry. The Government has refused to make any changes to the health and safety regulations in place at the time of the Pike River disaster until this commission reports back.

When someone heads off to work in the morning, they have a right to expect that their workplace is as safe as it can possibly be, and that they will return home again after work, safe and well. Mine safety improvements need to be made as soon as possible.

Read more about Pike River and mine safety

Lignite

Lignite is the lowest grade of coal. It has the least amount of energy, more water and less carbon than other kinds of coal. The Southland Lignite deposits are the lowest quality coal and should be left in the ground. Leaving the coal in the hole is the best solution for the climate as it locks up that CO2 underground.

It makes no sense to destroy valuable farmland to dig up coal that harms our 100% Pure brand. Instead, we need to invest in jobs and a vision to create a future which we all can enjoy.

Read more about lignite

Deep sea oil drilling

It is environmentally reckless to start a deep water oil drilling program in one of the most important ecological regions on the planet when the oil companies don't know how to plug deep water oil wells if
anything goes wrong.

The Government is encouraging deep sea oil drilling by giving tax breaks and subsidies (free geotechnical information) to oil companies, and has already granted permits for deep sea oil exploration and drilling.

John Key's Government has failed to learn the lesson from the Deep Water Horizon spill. Even with the most advanced capabilities at your doorstep, a laissez-faire attitude is a recipe for disaster.

Mining in national parks

In 2009 the National Goverment announced plans to take a 'stocktake'
of the mineral wealth lying under Schedule 4 lands and waters, with a view to removing some sites from Schedule 4 and opening them up to mining. The Green Party campaigned against this proposal, and won. Read more about our victory