KASM "livid" at government as EPA accepts seabed mining into fast-track process

PRESS RELEASE

Community organisation Kiwis Against Seabed Mining today slammed the Luxon Government for swinging open the back door to let the seabed miners have another go, at a time when opposition is at its strongest. The Environmental Protection Authority has now accepted the application from wannabe seabed miners, Australian-owned Trans Tasman Resources, as “complete” under the fast-track process, and will begin setting up a panel to hear the case - for the third time.

“We’re livid” said KASM Chairperson Cindy Baxter.“This dangerous industry has zero public support. TTR has tried and failed multiple times – including losing in the Supreme Court, and yet this Government has handed them another chance through an undemocratic process that disrespects our people and our ocean.”

This is the process. The EPA has just completed Step 2.

“Nobody wants this: not the 500 people who turned out to protest at Ōpunake just two weeks ago, not Iwi up and down the coast, not the councils, nor the Kiwi fishers, surfers, or swimmers – even Shane Jones’ beloved fishing industry has staunchly opposed seabed mining over the last decade,” she continued.

More than 3000 people across Taranaki and Manawatu have signed a petition in recent months, calling on their councils to oppose TTR’s application under the fast-track: councils will be invited to make a submission under the legislation.

KASM warned that the implications of this decision extended far beyond Taranaki.

“If this monstrosity of a proposition gets across the line, it sets a dangerous precedent for the black sand beaches all along the Aotearoa coastline, from the east coast, to the Chatham Rise. 

Baxter says the community group is prepared to continue fighting for as long as it takes. 

“We’ve been fighting seabed mining for 20 years now, and opposition has never been stronger. We’ll continue to fight this destructive project – on behalf of the coastal communities who love our moana, and the creatures that live there…. 

“We will fight this – in the courts, in the community, and at sea. This is the fight of our lives, and we’re just getting started.”