Actor Sir Sam Neill says he has been at the end of 'shocking and disturbing' abuse, including threats of physical violence, after speaking out against a proposed large-scale goldmine in Central Otago. Photo / George Heard
Actor Sir Sam Neill says he has been at the end of 'shocking and disturbing' abuse, including threats of physical violence, after speaking out against a proposed large-scale goldmine in Central Otago. Photo / George Heard
Actor Sir Sam Neill says he has been at the end of “shocking and disturbing” abuse, including threats of physical violence, after speaking out against a proposed large-scale goldmine in Central Otago.
Supporters argue the project could bring jobs, higher wages and long-term economic activity to a region facing high living costs and limited high-paying employment.
Critics, however, warn of lasting environmental damage and risks to water, landscapes and community wellbeing. Opposition groups say the scale of the open-cast operation could permanently alter Central Otago’s character.
Actor Sam Neill says he stands by his opposition to the proposed mine. Photo / File
In a video posted to Instagram, Neill said he stood by his opposition to “a big, actually a vast, open-cast goldmine that has proposed to be fast-tracked in my neighbourhood, in central Otago”.
“I stand by those views, and I’m glad I voiced them,” he said.
“What I wasn’t prepared for was the personal abuse I would come in for.”
Neill said the backlash included criticism from Resources Minister Shane Jones.
“And that started with Shane Jones … he chose to make this personal, and I’m baffled as to why he would do that … he’s a guy I don’t understand. Not at all.”
He said some online responses from supporters of the mine had gone further.
“The amount of personal abuse that came in online, all over the shop, was frankly very shocking and disturbing, including threats of physical violence.
The Bendigo-Ophir project is Australian mining company Santana Mineral's core focus. Photo / Supplied
“There’s some very unpleasant people among the supporters of this mine. I’m not saying they’re all like that, but boy, there are some loose cannons.”
Neill also criticised a recent column by commentator Damien Grant on Stuff, calling it “extremely personal”.
