Conservation groups want Megan Woods to act on mining

Energy Minister Megan Woods

Groups lobby Woods

Conservation organisations shocked by a mining exploration permit granted offshore from New Plymouth are asking Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods to close marine mammal sanctuaries to mining and exploration for three years.

They also want her to remove the ability of New Zealand Petroleum and Mineral Resources to grant exploration permits.

The groups that have signed the request to her are Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Forest and Bird, WWF, Greenpeace and ECO.

Dresses on Trade Me

The 10 wedding dresses in Hospice Whanganui's ReFashioned Bridal fundraiser were taken out of Whanganu's Edith Gallery on July 14 and are now being auctioned on the Trade Me website.

The gowns have reserve prices ranging from $600 to $1200. They were revamped by four well-known wedding designers and six Whanganui UCOL fashion design students.