September 17th, 2024
The Māori Party has reiterated its staunch opposition to seabed mining in New Zealand, amidst renewed efforts by Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) to secure approval for extracting 50 million tonnes of seabed material in South Taranaki, according to a media release issued last week.
This development occurs as the Environmental Protection Agency convenes in Hawera to reevaluate TTR's contentious application, a scenario that has prompted significant concern from the Maori Party and environmental advocates alike.
What's happening: Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of the Māori Party, highlighted the protracted battle against seabed mining, emphasising the perceived encouragement TTR has received from the current government and its legislative policies.
"It’s clear these corporations are feeling emboldened by this government and their fast-tracking legislation," Ngarewa-Packer remarked, pointing out the considerable investment TTR has made in its bid to mine the seabed, now supported by governmental backing.
Why it matters: The Maori Party's declaration underscores a broader concern for the preservation of New Zealand's marine environments and the rights of rural communities and iwi who have been embroiled in legal battles against TTR. Despite TTR's repeated failures to meet environmental standards — as evidenced by the revocation of their consent by three separate courts — the Māori Party fears the government may still facilitate the company's operations through fast-track consent processes.
Driving the news: Ngarewa-Packer's statement draws attention to the deeper issues at play, including perceived violations of Te Tiriti (The Treaty of Waitangi) rights and the historical context of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004. "This is what the erosion of Te Tiriti looks like. It is why they stole our Foreshore and Seabed in 2004: so they could sell it off to these companies who care about nothing but profit," she asserted, expressing a resolve to fight against both TTR and government policies that enable seabed mining.
The bottom line: The Māori Party's unwavering stance against seabed mining reflects a significant clash over environmental stewardship, indigenous rights, and economic interests in New Zealand. As the debate continues, the party's commitment to banning seabed mining highlights the ongoing tension between conservation efforts and industrial ambitions in the nation's marine territories.