South Taranaki iwi Nga Rauru is one of five that could benefit from ironsand royalties. Tumu whakarae (chairman) Darryn Ratana has said the tribe was interested in the economic development opportunities, but that was tempered by what the environmental impacts would be. He was awaiting more information.
Former Wanganui Manawatu Sea Fishing Club president Terry Liggett opposes mining. It bothers him that fishing people and Maori don't seem to be worried about it.
He's concerned about siltation, and the noise from heavy machinery disturbing fish. Taking out 150 million tonnes of sand in the first three years must have effects, he said: "Is it really worth the effort for what New Zealanders are going to gain?"
Surfing Taranaki secretary Allen Pidwell said his group was concerned about big ships offshore blocking waves, and water quality and sealife declining. They also feared a big hole in the seabed would eventually affect the seabed inshore, and the surfbreaks.
Ironsand company Trans-Tasman Resources was likely to apply for consent to mine the South Taranaki coastline late next year, environment and approvals manager Andy Sommerville said. Until then, the company would continue looking for resource and studying the sea environment offshore between the Whangaehu River and Hawera.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) boat and the New Zealand Diving and Salvage boat would be making frequent visits to Wanganui's port.
Mining was likely to happen offshore, mainly 15km or more out to sea. The iron-rich particles would be separated out using magnets, with the rest of the particles returned to the sea.
They would have potential to smother sea life, Mr Sommerville said: "But you should remember it's a very high-energy environment out there and a lot of sand is stirred up every storm that comes through. There's a lot of sediment movement around there anyway."
Effects on waves and shoreline erosion, and on fish were also possible. The presence of big ships and their lights and noise could also affect whales and seals. Those effects were still being studied but none should to be dramatic.
The economic benefits to the region were equally uncertain. Mr Sommerville said there could be large ships offshore with up to 150 people working on them for years at a time. Wanganui was the most likely port for servicing them.
"They will need a lot of fuel, and food and fresh water, which could benefit the service industries."
The company was looking for ways to benefit the people on the coastline. Some would receive royalties, and Niwa's information about the sea environment would be shared with them.
