EPA refusing Chatham Rock Phosphate mining is great news for our environment

The decision announced today by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to refuse a consent to mine the sea bed of the unique Chatham Rise for phosphate is fantastic news for our environment, oceans and fisheries, the Green Party said today.

The EPA announced its decision this morning, made by an EPA-appointed decision-making committee, to refuse the consent lodged by Chatham Rock Phosphate Ltd due to concerns over the ‘significant and permanent adverse effects on the existing benthic environment on the Chatham Rise.’ The EPA cited its requirement to favour caution and environmental protection.

“It’s fantastic that the EPA has made a decision that protects our oceans and listened to the scientifically strong case of the community groups, scientists and fishing industry who came together to oppose this destructive activity,” Green Party energy spokesperson Gareth Hughes said today.

“It’s also a victory for those groups who stood up to protect the unique Chatham Rise and our environment.

“The Chatham Rise is a unique environment that kiwis want to see protected. It is home to deep sea corals and other unique marine life that sea bed mining would have destroyed.

“The decision should be a wake-up call to the National Government that it should drop its failing and environmentally destructive mining agenda and instead pursue a smart, green economy that benefits all New Zealanders,” said Mr Hughes

Action

Support our Climate Action Plan for bigger bolder climate action

We agree with all five of the School Strike for Climate's demands. Read more and sign the petition.

Take Action

Action

Show your support to end housing inequality

New Zealand’s housing market is becoming increasingly divided between people who own their own homes and those forced to rent for life...

Take Action

Latest Environment Announcements

Story

Minister welcomes report of nation’s household plastic rubbish, recycling practices

A new report on New Zealand’s plastic rubbish and recycling practices is being welcomed by the Associate Minister for the Environment Eugenie Sage.

Flood of support for Top of the South catchment

Work to look after nature and restore freshwater quality in Te Hoiere/Pelorus River catchment is getting a significant boost, thanks to new Governm...

Healthy nature

Nature sustains us and is the basis of all life. In Government the Greens have led the way in making sure our precious plants and animals are pr...

Story

OIA reforms mean more attention to nature and cultural values

The Green Party welcome proposed changes to the Overseas Investment Act (OIA) that will see stronger controls on applications by overseas interests...

California is burning, the US must not walk away from the Paris Agreement

Green Party Co-leader James Shaw has expressed his exasperation at the decision by the United States to officially withdraw from the Paris Agreemen...

Minister announces fresh funding for community-led Hokianga environment project

A unique project enhancing the mana and wellbeing of the environment and the people of the Hokianga is to receive $300000 over three years from the...