Protesters clash with miners in Karangahake blockade

Protesters gather to block access to Karangahake Gorge to miners. Photo/Protect Karangahake

Protesters who blocked workers from accessing a mine in the Karangahake Gorge say they are in it for the long haul.

A group of about 30 people blocked access to the Karangahake Reserve just after 6am, forcing mining workers to wait about an hour before being let in.

At least one man was arrested for obstructing a public way after multiple warnings, a police spokeswoman said.

The man was in his 60s and police were staying in the area to ensure the lawful right to protest was upheld "while ensuring the rights of others to go about their business", she said.

New Talisman's Matt Hill said he was disgusted his workers were forced to wait for about 90 minutes before they were eventually able to make their way through the gate.

"I think that's just disgraceful. These are top, top hard working Kiwis. It's just disappointing they have to deal with this sort of thing now and then."

Mr Hill questioned the timing of the protest, saying he sees similar actions from the group every election year.

Mr Hill said the mining operation has been running in the area since 1993 and this stage of it in Karangahake Reserve was at a prospecting stage with minor impact on the land.

Mr Hill said New Talisman had always stuck to its permits and local and regional bylaws.

Karangahake resident Beccy Dove said occupying the road and risking arrest was the last resort for her and others but she said the community felt it had no choice.

"More than 40,000 people marched up Queen St in 2010 to tell this Government that they want conservation land on the Coromandel and elsewhere protected, and tens of thousands more sent submissions and signed petitions.

"We have been ignored - we have to put our bodies on the line because this Government refuses to listen to our voices.

"We are not going away, and we will continue to send a strong message to this Government, New Talisman, and this council that we will not stand for this - it's not good enough."

Protect Karangahake plans to host a rally and concert on September 2 to gain wider support for protecting the mountain.