The majority of South Taranaki councillors want maximum benefit from offshore ironsand mining - if it can be done without damaging the environment.
The district council has made a submission to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) about Trans-Tasman Resources' proposal to mine the seabed 22km offshore from Patea.
Mayor Ross Dunlop was the main author and said the South Taranaki District Council submission wasn't for or against the mining - or neutral either. Instead, it ticked the "range of views" box on the EPA's online submission form.
"We had varying views at the council table - from completely opposed to it to those that were very much in favour and middle ground."
South Taranaki was closest and would be the district most affected by the mining. He said its people were very concerned about possible damage to their sea environment.