Councillors divided on offshore mining plan

Ross Dunlop would like Hawera to be the hub for helicopters. Photo/File

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.

"We've got a long coastline and it's a big part of our district."

Fishing people, and he is one of them, were worried mining would affect fish and other marine life.

"It's a particularly good fishing spot off Patea and Ohawe."

Coastal erosion and water clarity were other concerns.

But if mining can happen without environmental damage, a clear majority of councillors want to make sure South Taranaki benefits. It wants the mining administration office to be based in Hawera, and the hearings about the marine consent to happen there too.

And it wants the ships working offshore to be serviced by helicopters based at Hawera.

"That's the key to it. Where the helicopter flies from is where people are probably going to live," Mr Dunlop said.

It would also like financial grants and assistance for local communities.

Taranaki Regional Council has also made a submission to the marine consent application. A spokesman said the submission had not yet been endorsed by the policy and planning committee, and would be released in late January.

Horizons Regional Council has submitted that environmental effects must be avoided, especially sediment plumes that could reach south of the Waitotara River where the Horizons region begins.