P07076

Mining in New Zealands National Parks should not be allowed

New Zealand, a clean green country with scenery to die for. All over the world New Zealand is be marketed as 100% pure, or is it? In 2010 the New Zealand Government proposed exploration in conservation land for valuable minerals that would boost our economy. Would the Government tarnish our clean green image just to have a bit of money in its backpocket. Or does the voice of the people mean more than money in a modern day Democracy?

Tourism is a major part of the New Zealand economy and many tourists come for the picturesque views that our beautiful national parks offer. The tourism industry is worth 21.7 billion dollars compared to the mining industry which brought 2 billion dollars to the New Zealand economy in 2010. Minister of Energy and Resources Mr Gerry Brownlie stated that if the “7058ha went a head it could give New Zealand an estimated 194 billion dollars worth of minerals”. This would give the New Zealand economy a major boost. But if the proposal went ahead would the tourism industry be affected by New Zealand going back on their laurels of not being clean and green? In a TV One Colmar Brunton 48% of people questioned said they didn’t want mining on conservation land, this shows us that the New Zealand truly care about how they are percieved. “ Despite the public backlash” Prime Minister John Key still wanted to subsidise $4 million of prospecting in our protected areas. Would the Government be prepared to gamble in the Mininig Industry and damage their image and suffer in the Tourism Industry?

A reason why many tourists come back and spread the word about New Zealand is our natural beauty in our national parks. All seven sites proposed are protected by the Schedule 4 law. The land that is protected in Schedule 4 is owned by the state and mining is forbidden. But the thoughts of the National led Government are completely different as quoted by Mr Brownlie “ we National implemented that the whole concept of Schedule 4 would disappear”. In the Coromandal alone there is believed to be $18 million of minerals that would be removed from Schedule 4 land. But with high reward there is always high risk, such as scarring the landscape, destroying native forest or even harm our endangered native birds which are all things that money will never be able to buy. Would the Government be prepared to destroy priceless land and animals for a few extra bucks?

Its not all a disaster if the mining Schedule 4 land went ahead. Apart from the obvious of boosting the New Zealand economy their would be job opportunities created which is a positive in this time with the recession and not many jobs available. This could stem the flow of many Kiwis going to Australia who move for better opportunites in mines in a land rich in minerals. This would give some of these people a choice to stay close to their family and get similar amount of pay. Also there is an estimated value of $140 billion worth of minerals underground. This would allow the mines to be constructed underground out of the view of the eye. The land above would not be destroyed and many native animals would be able to stay in their natural habitat. Mr Key has stated that “ There will be mining on conservation area” so if the proposal did go ahead there would be benefits. If the 7058ha was a success the Government would be open to survey an extra 12400ha which would be considered for mining.

Critics believe that in the debate about the mining of Conservation land the negatives outweigh the positives. To think the New Zealand Government would even consider to touch our National Parks which defines the words of natural beauty is unbelieveiable. Our National Parks are a major asset and should be admired rather than dug up and create a massive eyesore. The people of New Zealand have made their thoughts loud and clear, leave our protected land alone.

By James Larsen