The Government's draconian plans for our National Parks seem like something from another age, out of step with the rest of the world.

NZ should be prepared for international criticism for its plan to open conservation land to mining, a tourism expert says.

Business leaders have urged Kiwis to take a rational approach to the debate over the Government's proposed plans to open conservation land up to mining.

The Government is proposing to open up more than 7000 hectares of conservation land for mining on Coromandel, and Paparoa National Park on the West Coast.

The Govt will try to justify mining in conservation land by putting other areas into protection when it announces its plans at 3pm, says Forest & Bird.

Barack Obama has a vision of a fundamental US energy makeover, moving from fossil fuels such as coal and oil to renewable sources including solar and wind.

Brownlee says 'degree of panic' over review not warranted.