Labour says the government is setting the scene for a backdown on mining schedule 4 conservation land."The government is clearly getting ready to revert to the status quo," conservation spokesman David Parker said today."Mining companies ca
Labour says the government is setting the scene for a backdown on mining schedule 4 conservation land.
"The government is clearly getting ready to revert to the status quo," conservation spokesman David Parker said today.
"Mining companies can already apply for permits to mine in conservation land outside of schedule four and national parks."
The Government's proposals are to open parts of Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel and Paparoa National Park for prospecting and possibly mining.
There is public opposition to the proposals and 40,000 people last month staged a protest march in Auckland.
Mr Parker said Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee and Prime Minister John Key had started preparing for a back down.
"I am sure Mr Brownlee and Mr Key will try and spin the impending back down on mining in protected areas as listening to the people. The reality is the National government got it wrong," he said.
Ministers have given no indication of backing down on the proposals.
