An update sent out from the Save our Sands team...

After a long wait, on Monday the 28th February the conclusion to the RMA Hearing for the first of the three mining applications by McCallum Bros Ltd will commence. 

The hearing for this ‘Far Shore consent’ was delayed last year after we provided evidence that revealed deep sea trenches in the sea floor where the sand mining company has been operating. Due to this the commissioners requested that a more extensive sea bed survey be commissioned.

The results of this were released last week and are damning - the damage is even worse than we suspected. But not all is lost, because of this science the commissioners now finally have in their hands on the data to enable the correct decisions on the future of mining on the Mangawhai - Pakiri coast.

Operational breaches, both on water and off water, environmental destruction, sea bed and sea life impacts, sea bird habitat being destroyed are just some of the allegations that McCallum Bros Ltd will be required to front up to.

It’s hard to comprehend that granting continuance of these mining practices for the next 35 years, should ever be considered let alone approved. It is also a lasting insult to the community and local iwi that such damage should be allowed, and attempted to be covered up. 

As you know, we’re a group of volunteers, but we’re working with top legal and scientific experts to ensure we present the best evidence we can at the upcoming hearing. 

Keep an eye out on the news as more details of this story comes out, also please remember to share the petition with friends and whānau!