Downstream of a huge gold mine project, 150 guests – including actor Sir Sam Neill and artist Sir Grahame Sydney – wined and dined to raise money to try and stop that very project.
Santana Minerals’ Bendigo-Ophir Gold project is the country’s largest new gold endeavour in decades, with at least $8 million already spent on environmental and technical work.
A long lunch carrying the title Wine NOT Mine was held yesterday at The Canyon in the nearby Dunstan Mountains for locals opposing the project.
Actor Neill was one of those in attendance, telling those gathered: “Santana’s aggressive and unwelcome plans will be ruinous for our region.”
He said the event showed a group of people joining together “to fight against a very large, powerful, very well-funded Australian mining company with bad intentions”.
Neill previously criticised Resources Minister Shane Jones’ support for the gold mine, while Jones argued it would create jobs.
Speaking to Herald NOW in November, Jones was focused on how the gold mine would also find “critical minerals” like coal.
“I believe most Kiwis have supported my narrative that we need mining in New Zealand with appropriate guard rails.“
The mine was expected to create 1000 jobs, with 250 working directly for the company and about 750 new positions in local associated businesses.
“Whether we like it or not, we’ve got to start digging our own coal, as opposed to relying on Indonesian coal ... without coal as the firming fuel, we won’t keep the lights on,” Jones said.
Neill told yesterday’s lunch crowd: “We don’t want this, and we simply cannot let this happen to our land or our people.”
Artist Sydney spoke about his deep connection to Central Otago, reflecting on its “unique and expansive landscapes” which have featured in his artworks for decades.
“Our landscapes are breathtaking, mystical, pristine and ever changing – and it’s no wonder that tourism, both international and domestic – is so strong in this region.
“We have to fight against this madness.”
Sustainable Tarras, a group of volunteers focused on environmental protection, were given the task of reviewing the extensive application – but have shown strong opposition.
All funds raised will be donated to the group to cover expert fees and legal support costs as they make submissions to the fast-track process.
Chair Suze Keith said the group will continue to focus on the “immense risks” of Santana’s “deeply controversial project”.
The money raised was beyond expectations and will provide the group with a “significant boost” just at the right time, Keith said.
Ticket sales, wine sales, an art sale and private donations all contributed.
“It’s clear that there is a strong, growing and broad level of opposition to the mine and a sense that we all want to fight for what’s right for Aotearoa’s future.
“Today was all about celebrating what we have here locally in Central Otago and why we should protect it.”
The Canyon is the closest tourist and hospitality business to the proposed mine site and is popular for weddings and private parties.
Proprietor Hayden Johnston said the event was a great opportunity to showcase the hospitality experiences on offer in Central Otago.
He felt visitor reactions show that “what we have in this part of the country is unique and breathtaking”.
The Wine NOT Mine event treated guests to a four-course lunch featuring a menu made up entirely of food sourced from Otago.
Chef Jessica Matheson said almost everything served was grown and prepared downstream of Santana’s proposed mine.
The event was supported by 12 local wineries – all from Bendigo – including some of New Zealand’s organic wine brands.
The project falls under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, which is part of the Government’s goal to remove barriers to resource consents and permits.
The application was submitted late 2025 and is being reviewed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and an independent expert panel, aiming for a decision by mid-2026.
Santana Minerals has been approached for comment.
Sammy Carter is a journalist for the New Zealand Herald covering news in the Wellington region. She has previously worked at the Rotorua Daily Post.