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

Oppose New Zealand First’s Member’s Bill!

Support Trans Rights | Oppose the Gender Definition Bill

Action

Reject the Defining Gender Bill

Reject the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill introduced by New Zealand First.

Action

Disability Support System - Submission Guide

Uphold disability rights so disabled people and their whānau can thrive. Oppose the Disability Support Services Bill

Action

Oppose the 2026 budget

Sign our petition to show you oppose the Government's 2026 budget

Action

Leave our homes alone!

The Green Party is calling on the Government to stop its attack on people living in public housing - join our call today!

Action

Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill Submission Guide

Support Green MP Kahurangi Carter’s Bill to protect overdose emergency callers from legal risks!

Action

Keep Fees Free

Join our call to keep Fees Free for tertiary education!

Action

Protect Conservation Land

Sign out petition to oppose the Conservation Amendment Bill and protect conservation land!

Action

Stop the Fisheries Amendment Bill

Sign today to protect our moana.

Action

Electrify everything

Show your support for a National Electrification Plan!

Action

A home for everybody

A home for everybody - sign and share the open letter today!

Action

Tell us your stories about our special places

Share with us your stories about the places threatened by being fast tracked for mining permits.

Action

Protect our tamariki - Sign the open letter

Every child in Aotearoa deserves to grow up with safety and stability, wrapped in aroha. Sign our open letter today and help make that a reality!

Action

Local Events

We have activists across Aotearoa / New Zealand who are working hard to build a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. This page lists upcomin...

Latest Environment Announcements

Story

$30m for school drinking water safety is a start but pollution keeps flowing

The Green Party is welcoming Government investment of $30m into school drinking water following their questions on the issue, but warns rural commu...

“End of an era” as Government law change disestablishes Ministry for the Environment

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s disestablishment of the Ministry for the Environment, following the law change required to scrap the...

NZ democracy at risk of corporate corruption - Green Party backs urgent inquiry

Allegations that the Prime Minister’s office withheld information about backroom lobbying by major climate polluters - ahead of legislating to prev...

Action needed on widespread drinking water problems

The Green Party says while it is relieved the cause of the recent 'boil water' notice in Auckland was easily addressed, more action is needed to de...

9,000 students faced unsafe drinking water at school last year

The Green Party has released data showing 9000 students across more than 70 schools and pre-schools faced unsafe drinking water in 2025, with water...

Fast-track Decision Looms on Destructive Waitaha Hydro Scheme

The Green Party says the Fast Track expert panel should turn down the previously declined ‘Waitaha Hydro’ project, which if approved will destroy a...