As the government gets closer to making decisions on mining conservation land, a poll has shown public opinion is nearly evenly divided on the controversial issue.Proposals to open up some areas of protected land for prospecting were released earlier this
As the government gets closer to making decisions on mining conservation land, a poll has shown public opinion is nearly evenly divided on the controversial issue.
Proposals to open up some areas of protected land for prospecting were released earlier this year and a discussion document was released.
It is open for public submissions until May 4 and the Cabinet will make decisions in June.
A TV One Colmar Brunton poll released last night showed that of 1000 voters questioned, 44% said they supported mining on conservation land and 48% said they didn't.
When asked whether they thought New Zealand could be significantly wealthier by allowing more mining on conservation land, 48% said "yes" and 41%t said "no."
Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee told One News he thought it was unlikely the Government would decide not to open up any of the proposed areas.
"We've talked about some very, very small and discreet areas of the country, seven in total, and I would be very surprised if some of those aren't opened for further exploration and prospecting," he said.
The Labour Party is campaigning against allowing mining on any of the areas.
