Seabed mining ban a step closer as Labour confirms support

PRESS RELEASE

Political support for a ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa is gaining momentum ahead of the election, with Labour now joining Te Pāti Māori, the Greens and Opportunity supporting a ban, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM) said today. 

After writing to all political parties asking if they support a ban, this week KASM received the confirmation in a response from Labour’s oceans and fisheries spokesperson Rachel Boyack this week, who stated: “Labour supports a ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa.” 

“This is a significant breakthrough after so many years of resistance by iwi, hapū and coastal communities;  it’s extremely welcome news for everyone who has worked to protect our moana from seabed mining,” says KASM Chairperson Cindy Baxter.

“For more than a decade we have all fought off the seabed miners; we’ve stood together in Taranaki, and the Chatham Islands, backed by people across the motu who have given their time, expertise and support. This brings the lasting protection we have fought for a step closer.”

KASM acknowledges the longstanding leadership of Te Pāti Māori and the Greens in advocating for a ban, and welcomes the growing political agreement.

Labour says it will amend the necessary legislation and associated regulations, including the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act. It also commits to amending the replacements to the Resource Management Act and fast-track legislation to strengthen environmental protection. 

Unfortunately Labour’s position excludes sand dredging, which KASM notes is a disappointing policy given the threats to areas like Bream Bay, currently going through a Fast Track application. 

The announcement comes after more than a decade of repeated battles over Australian-owned Trans-Tasman Resources’ failed applications to mine the South Taranaki seabed, and an EPA refusal for consent to wannabe deep seabed phosphate miner Chatham Rock Phosphate. Both companies are waiting in the wings to get their projects across the line.

“We shouldn’t have to keep winning the same fight,” says Baxter. 

“Communities have repeatedly defended the moana through hearings and courts, all the way to the Supreme Court, and even the Fast Track said no.  Yet each victory has been followed by the prospect of another application or another process. That takes an enormous toll on the people doing the defending.”

“A legislated ban would give communities lasting protection and certainty. Labour’s commitment is an important step, and the next task is to turn that support into law.”

KASM is calling on parties supporting a ban to set out a clear legislative timetable and explain how their proposals would address existing permits and future applications. KASM has heard back from ACT that they do not support a ban, but there has been no reply from National or New Zealand First. 

“Our moana sustains wildlife, livelihoods and relationships that reach across generations. This coming election is an opportunity to secure its protection for the generations to come. We urge all political parties to support a ban on seabed mining.”

Notes to editors

Labour’s confirmation was provided to KASM by Rachel Boyack, its oceans and fisheries spokesperson. Its statement explicitly excludes "sand dredging."

Trans Tasman Resources 

• In 2014 The Environmental Protection Authority refused Trans Tasman Resources first application  for a discharge consent to mine the South Taranaki Bight for ironsands.

• After the company reapplied and gained approval in 2017, KASM - with a raft of other opponents - successfully challenged that decision in the High Court, and went to succesfully defend the outcome through the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

• In February 2026, the Fast Track panel published a recommendation to decline consent, but TTR withdrew its application before the very strong 486-page decision could be confirmed. The official project record still allows for the company to reapply and the company is telling shareholders it is waiting for the right policy environment.

Chatham Rock Phosphate

• In 2015 the EPA refused Chatham Rock Phosphate’s application for a discharge consent to mine phosphate off the deep seabed near the Chatham Rise. 

• The company is now attempting to re-list on the NZX and has new financial backing from global critical minerals company Wetstone. 

• CRP is on the "waiting list" for fast track applications.