New Zealand abstained!!!
I signed the Greenpeace petition:
Seabed mining is a new threat to the oceans. Now is our chance to prevent the destruction before it’s too late.
So far, environmentalists, iwi and community groups have stopped the first large-scale seabed mine from getting underway here in Aotearoa.
But the floodgates could be about to open. Right now, mining companies are exploring the deep sea of the Pacific, and still have their sights set on the seabed off the Taranaki Coast.
What happens in New Zealand will set a precedent that could determine the success or failure of this new mining industry in the rest of the Pacific and around the world.
We can stop them before they start.
Many of our Pacific neighbours are calling for a moratorium to protect their waters from this industry. The New Zealand Government must join countries like Vanuatu and Fiji, to keep the lid on this destructive industry and protect the ocean.
Sign and share this urgent petition now.
Saturday, 02 October 2021
Kia ora Walter,
Kei te pēhea koe? (How are you?)
How are you doing?
We have amazing news today!
The Supreme Court has denied Trans Tasman Resources’ (TTR) appeal, meaning their seabed mine cannot go ahead in the South Taranaki Bight.
This is a huge win for people and for nature!
For almost a decade, with local iwi and hapū, community organisations and environmentalists, Greenpeace has fought to stop seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight. This outcome shows again that when we stand together and persevere, we can win.
This win sets an important precedent. The mining operation would have been the world’s first at-scale seabed mining excavation anywhere in the world, digging up 50 million tonnes every year for 35 years in a 66 square kilometre area. Sediment plumes would have smothered marine life up to 15km away, disturbing the amazing creatures that live in the Bight such as the little blue penguins, Māui dolphin and blue whales.
But while this ruling sends a clear message that seabed miners are not wanted in Aotearoa, it doesn’t guarantee more companies won’t come knocking.
There are currently four more seabed mining exploration permits held by other companies for New Zealand, which makes a blanket ban on the practice all the more urgent.
We must increase pressure on the New Zealand Government now to ban seabed mining altogether, and keep the ocean safe from this dangerous new industry.
Nearly 25,000 people have signed our petition, but we need many more.
Please share the petition now – the more numbers we have, the stronger our demand becomes.
Ngā mihi,
James Hita