The Bream Bay Guardians Society held a high-profile fundraiser at Langs Beach on Saturday night.
The Bream Bay Guardians Society held a high-profile fundraiser at Langs Beach on Saturday night.
Opponents of sand mining at Bream Bay are preparing their biggest protest yet.
The Bream Bay Guardians Society has planned a mass demonstration at Ruakākā Beach on March 15.
The group’s efforts are a continued response to McCallum Brothers Ltd’s proposal to extract up to about 150,000 cubicmetres of sand a year in Bream Bay for an initial period of three years, and up to about 250,000cu m a year thereafter.
Northland MP Grant McCallum, of National, said he was obliged to follow the party line but promised to keep channelling community concerns back to Wellington.
Labour candidate Gary Payinder and MP Deborah Russell were unable to state a position within the time limit, frustrating some guests.
The invitation‑only cocktail event, hosted by philanthropists Joanne and Glenn Inger, was a fundraiser for the Guardians’ campaign. It drew several political and civic leaders, including Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper and Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen.
Former Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson compered a lively auction, urging the 80 attendees to “dig deep” for donated prizes ranging from luxury accommodation and golf packages from Carrington Estate’s William Tan, to Swordfish Mojo beer and merchandise from Matt Watson, a dinner for four from Leo Molloy, a historic Waipu painting from the Sotheby’s family, and an accommodation package from Lloyd Schmidt of Waipu Cove Cafe.
The Bream Bay Guardians fundraiser evening was a who's who of Northland civic leaders. Pictured from left are host and philanthropist Joanne Inger, Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen, Green MP Huhana Lyndon, former Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson, Bream Bay Guardians spokeswoman Mary Sinclair, and former Whangārei mayor Stan Semenoff.
“To have so many decision-makers and influencers in one room shows the strength of support behind our kaupapa,” she said.
“The funding allows us to move into the next critical phase. With the McCallums having now submitted their final application, the pressure is on … we can’t afford to slow down now.”
Technical presentations at the fundraiser reinforced the group’s concerns. Beca engineer Jennifer Hart told attendees that Auckland already had more than enough construction sand without turning to Bream Bay.
Ecologist Dr Tim Haggit showed underwater footage of the proposed mining site, describing a seafloor alive with crayfish, scallops and other marine species.
McCallum Brothers has claimed its proposed Bream Bay sand extraction can be carried out in an environmentally responsible way.
Each substantive fast-track application is assessed by an independent expert panel, which can seek written comments, request further information and decide whether to hold a hearing.
The panel then decides whether to approve or decline the project and may impose conditions.
Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on a wide range of issues. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism, much of which she spent reporting on the courts in Gisborne and on the East Coast.
