Locals and tourists enjoy the banks of the river in the Karangahake Gorge which is under threat from mining. Photo/supplied
Locals and tourists enjoy the banks of the river in the Karangahake Gorge which is under threat from mining. Photo/supplied
A Coromandel community group has lodged a claim to the High Court today to protect the iconic Karangahake Gorge.
The group is challenging the granting of a resource consent for gold mining in the Karangahake Mountain due to lack of public consultation and inadequate assessment of how recreation would beaffected in the area.
Auckland resident Emma Manos, who visits the gorge regularly, said she was horrified to find out about the mining plans when she visited during the Christmas - New Year break.
"I love coming to Karangahake, to walk up the mountain and swim in the rivers. This really is a national treasure - the whole Coromandel is the playground of Auckland and Karangahake is especially popular as it is so easy to access," she said.
"I would be devastated if mining started here again - it's not just another hill. It's such a special place and it should be protected so everyone can enjoy it."
The group's lawyer Rob Enright said he was disappointed to see how poorly the consent process was conducted.
"we hope to see justice served through the High Court."
The Karangahake Gorge is one of only two places in New Zealand to have twice won the international Green Flag award for its conservation and recreation values. An estimated 80,000 people visit the gorge each year to cycle, walk, rock climb or swim in the rivers.
