Police called as grandmother protests mining operation

Karangahake resident Linda Gilmore refused to let New Talisman Gold Mines vehicles access their mine site on Mt Karangahake. Photo/supplied

A person has been arrested following a protest which involved a grandmother blocking miners from working on a site in the Karangahake Gorge today.

Karangahake resident Linda Gilmore was among a group of people blocking New Talisman Gold Mines vehicles from its mine site on Mt Karangahake.

The local business owner has lived in the area for 35 years but said she sold her home in Waihi because of the mining operations.

"To hear a mining company is coming here [to Karangahake], all I can think of is ... the noise, the blasting, the trucks, the total lack of thought for the intrinsic values of life," she said.

"I love this mountain and all the beautiful walks around here. We should not have to share conservation land with a mining operation."

Gilmore raised her children in the area and her family has spent a lot of time in Karangahake gorge, walking, camping and now cycling.

"They love it here, and so do my grandchildren," she said.

"A lot of money has been spent on the cycle trail and other tracks in the Karangahake Gorge to successfully encourage tourism, to start mining here now is ridiculous."

Gilmore had written to the Minister of Conservation explaining why mining was inappropriate in Karangahake and asked her to come see for herself.

She received a reply from the Ministry's secretary stating it would be looked into and may reply if "deemed necessary".

Last week, a petition asking to extend the 'Schedule 4' land classification to protect all conservation land in the Coromandel from mining, was presented to Parliament.

Gilmore said she was happy the group now has the commitment of the Labour and the Green party to extend the Schedule 4 land classification, but she was disappointed the idea was refused consideration.

Gilmore said the local community was left with no other option than peaceful resistance.

"This is our only choice."

Police were aware of a group of people protesting at Mt Karangahake.

One person was arrested for trespass, who had already been trespassed from the site - but was not charged.

"Our role in any situation like this is to keep the peace and ensure the safety of everyone," a police spokeswoman said.