A message from Save Our Sand (SOS)...

Dear Supporters,

We are reaching out to you with an important and heartfelt request for your support. As many of you know, Te Whānau o Pakiri has been engaged in a prolonged and challenging battle to protect Pakiri sands from further sandmining by McCallum Brothers. This struggle, spanning over 80 years, has now escalated to the High Court following an appeal by McCallum Brothers against the recent Environment Court decision.

A Significant Victory

 In a landmark decision on April 11th, 2024, the Environment Court ruled in favour of our position, declining all consent applications by McCallum Brothers. This victory was achieved through the collective efforts of the community and by compelling evidence presented by Te Whānau o Pakiri, including expert testimonies on coastal processes, marine ecology, cultural fishing, and more. However, McCallum Brothers has appealed this decision, necessitating our presence and participation in the High Court.

The Path Forward

 To date, Te Whānau o Pakiri has covered legal costs exceeding $98,000. We now need to find additional funding to cover approximately $50,000 in legal expenses (excluding pro bono contributions) for the High Court hearings which will take five days. Our legal team, led by the amazing lawyer, Vicki Morrison Shaw, is prepared to continue this crucial fight, and we need your help.

How You Can Help

 We are seeking contributions from our community and supporters to assist with these legal costs. Your support will enable us to ensure that the significant adverse cultural and environmental effects of continued sand mining are fully addressed in the High Court.

[DONATE HERE]

The Importance of Our Case

 Te Whānau o Pakiri opposes the appeal on several critical grounds, including the significant adverse cultural effects of sand mining, inconsistency with Treaty of Waitangi principles, and the lack of information on the long-term effects of sand mining on coastal processes. As tāngata whenua we believe it is imperative that Te Whānau o Pakiri is a party to this appeal.

Your Contribution Matters

Please consider making a donation to support these new legal costs. Your contributions, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in our ability to defend the environment of Pakiri and Mangawhai. Donations can be made through the Endangered Species Foundation as a koha to the Te Whānau o Pakiri High Court case legal fees.

[PLEASE DONATE TODAY]

Thank you for your continued support and for standing with us in this crucial fight.

Ngā mihi nui e hoa ma, thank you friends,

Jessie Stanley, 

Save Our Sand Mangawhai Pakiri