Credit or caption
Chief Conservation Advisor Kevin Hackwell, explains Forest & Bird's campaign to protect all conservation land from new mines.
Why it matters
Our conservation land is often the last refuge for many native species that are in serious trouble. Yet over the decades, that publicly owned land has been plundered for its gold, its coal, and other minerals. That has led to localised, and even national, extinctions.
Donate to the Ours Not Mine appeal now
Our national parks, scenic reserves, conservation parks, and stewardship areas are a national network belonging to all New Zealanders.
The Prime Minister said there would be no new mines on public conservation land, and the Ministers of Conservation and Energy & Resources have announced they will consult on how this will be achieved.
Yet mining interests are pushing back. They want to keep vast tracts of conservation land – nearly one-third – open for mining into the future.
We need all our conservation land to contribute to a thriving natural environment. Even those small remnants that once were subjected to burning, logging or previous mining are precious.
It’s time to move on from plundering our conservation lands, to ensuring they are protected forever. Submissions open in September, but we must start now if we are going to succeed. We need your help.
What can you do
What you can do in 5 minutes
- Sign up to become one of our rapid responders – we’ll update you regularly with actions you can take to help the cause.
- Donate to help us pay for campaign materials.
- Write to your local Labour / New Zealand First / Green MP asking them to support no new mines on ALL conservation land.
- Feel free to contact our campaign on ours.not.mine@forestandbird.org.nz
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