World nature group joins outcry over mining plans

The New Zealand arm of the world's largest global environmental network has joined the chorus of criticism of the Government's controversial proposals to allow mining on protected land.

The New Zealand committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has made a submission on the proposal to remove 7000ha of conservation land from protected status under the Crown Minerals Act.

Submissions on the Government's discussion paper close on Wednesday.

The committee said New Zealand had been able to hold its head high in international conservation circles, protecting land from mining for decades.

But the Government's proposal, which targets areas of Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel and Paparoa National Park, would negatively affect the country's image, it said.

"Such a decision would risk New Zealand, a valued IUCN member, being perceived in the international arena as diminishing the immense global importance of protected areas at a time when the international community, through the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity, looks to governments to strengthen their commitments."

The union also wrote to Prime Minister John Key last month, saying the "proposed changes are worrying departures from New Zealand's past progress in conservation".

Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee rebutted the union's claims, saying New Zealand would preserve its reputation as it would continue to have one of the highest proportions of protected land in the world.

"We see our mineral resources playing a significant role in raising living standards over the long term, as long as this can be balanced with our environmental responsibilities and conservation values."

Mr Brownlee said conservation land was a major contributor to the economy in its own right and the Government was committed to protecting it.

Meanwhile, a survey by the Business Council for Sustainable Development of more than 2200 people released yesterday shows 46 per cent of New Zealanders oppose mining on conservation land and 34 per cent support it.

A majority, 51 per cent, also said they did not believe companies would restore protected areas after mining was complete, while 25 per cent trusted the industry to clean up.

Sixty per cent opposed mining of Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island and 56 per cent opposed lifting protection from areas in the Coromandel Peninsula and Te Ahumata Plateau on Great Barrier.

Forty-six per cent supported an additional 40 per cent super tax on mining company profits in addition to royalties.

In London, the Zoological Society has asked the British public to make submissions on the NZ mining proposal.

The campaign on the zoo's website is drawing attention to the plight of the critically endangered Archey's frog, found on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Auckland Zoo is also urging New Zealanders to make submissions.

- NZPA