Greens: Labour must deliver on No New Mines

Written By: - Date published: 7:33 pm, July 26th, 2023 - 25 comments
Categories: eugenie sage, greens, Mining - Tags:

Green Party press release from Eugenie Sage.

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The Green Party is disappointed tonight that the Government has voted down Eugenie Sage’s members’ bill to stop new mining on conservation land. The time is now for a government that takes conservation seriously.

“Aotearoa is home to many unique plants and animals that are only found here. If Labour isn’t going to support our bill to protect their habitats and the dramatic landscapes and natural features on public conservation land, they need to front up with a clear alternative plan,” says Green Party conservation spokesperson, Eugenie Sage.

“In 2017 the Labour Government promised that there would be no new mines on conservation land. My members’ bill, the Crown Minerals (Prohibition of Mining) Amendment Bill would have achieved exactly that. But tonight, Labour chose not to turn their fine words and promises into action. It is clearer than ever that we need more Green MPs sitting around the decision making table pushing the government to do the right thing.  

“Only 50 percent of conservation land (in national parks, nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries) is protected from mining. My bill would have ensured there are no new mines on public conservation land and no new coal mines on any land in Aotearoa. Last term, NZ First was a handbrake on implementing Labour’s promise. That excuse no longer applies, yet Labour has settled for sticking with the status quo.

“Our conservation lands exist to protect our wild and wonderful natural places and landscapes, and all the amazing native plants and wildlife that call them home, and for people to enjoy. They don’t exist for billionaires to mine to increase their wealth. However, under the current law, big mining companies are still putting in applications to mine our precious conservation land.

“Hundreds of people have told the Greens why they believe conservation lands should be protected from new mines. Since Labour has voted down my bill, we’re calling on the Government to introduce its own legislation to protect our natural treasures. 

“Let us be crystal clear: in a biodiversity and climate crisis we need a government that will put the health of our lands, forests, native plants and wildlife, and waterways above the short-term profit of mining companies. We all depend on nature for our economy, for the health of our communities and for our lives. Tonight it’s become obvious that only the Green Party is serious about taking every possible measure to protect our remaining wild and natural areas from harm,” says Eugenie Sage.

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25 comments on “Greens: Labour must deliver on No New Mines ”

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  1. Ad 1
    26 July 2023 at 8:02 pm

    +100

    Only thing I'd add is that Labour need a Maori caucus that can actually stand up to Maori corporate interests in marine reserves, and in forming new conservation land.

    Too early to retire Eugenie.

  2. Roy Cartland 2
    26 July 2023 at 8:46 pm

    Why the FUCK would one vote for Labour?? They only seem to do good by accident, the rest is lying and bullshitting.

    Pathetic, utterly. Are any of them ashamed?

  3. adam 3
    27 July 2023 at 1:23 am

    Once again a demonstration of how the two major parties labour and national are just so bad for our country.

    Shit and Shitlite, at this point I struggle to see much, if any difference on the important issues. Economics wise, it's radically right all the way by both of them.

    • SPC 3.1
      27 July 2023 at 2:24 am

      It depends on the measure of the word important.

      Fairer tax?

      Top rate of tax at 39 cents. 10 year bright-line test, not 2. Full tax on rent income, no deduction for mortgage payment cost.

      Better reward for the working class?

      MW increase level and the Fair Pay Agreement.

      Government help to ensure needs are met?

      More state houses (income related rent) than when they came into office. Better quality rentals and limitations on landlord power.

      End of prescription cost. More money to Pharmac. Doctors visits free to age 13. Meals in schools. Cheaper Public transport.

      The increase in amount of earnings without abatement for those on benefits, as well as the increase in base rate and the Winter Power Income Payment.

      • Bearded Git 3.1.1
        27 July 2023 at 7:03 am

        True SPC. Adam is wrong to paint Labour as the same as the Nats. Especially given that a Lab/Gr/TPM coalition will be a very different animal to a Nats/ACT coalition.

        Of course Adam's hidden agenda is to pretend there is no difference which encourages some people not to bother to vote, where they would have voted Labour.

        • Chris 3.1.1.1
          27 July 2023 at 2:28 pm

          Yes, it's easy to gloss over the big gains Labour has delivered. But tax this election is a lost opportunity. Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Maori could have sent out a strong and relatively consistent message on the need for a fairer tax system, that luxon et al want tax cuts for the rich, "what kind of a society do we want?", etc etc. The tide politically was already turning since Covid. Really dumb not to keep riding that wave.

        • adam 3.1.1.2
          27 July 2023 at 4:38 pm

          Of course Adam's hidden agenda is to pretend there is no difference which encourages some people not to bother to vote, where they would have voted Labour.

          What an utterly pathetic comment from Bearded Git, I'd suggest your projecting, because you know labour have been dog shit

          Three years, complete majority, ability to overturn what has been 40 odd years of radically right economics and they doubled down on it – so yeah labour are Shitlite. Lets leave aside that they are total corporate shills, overseeing the largest transfer of wealth up in NZ history.

          People actually have options rather than the spinless dolts that are labour party – I've said and will continue to say just in case you missed it, vote Te Pāti Māori if you want a real change, rather than the feckless shit we have got from a bunch of wankers called labour party.

      • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.1.2
        27 July 2023 at 9:40 am

        Re the mines. IMO Labour haven't done what they should here.

        I just wonder..have the doomers and whiteanters done what they could to stand up and be counted against this?

        I have.

        Also IMO good list..I'd add the 100,000 new Tradie apprentices. Sadly some seemingly dont want to see any of that. NAct in power will "somehow" be a revenge on Labour.

        Do they realise ….we will then see open season (and open cast) mines in NZ?

      • adam 3.1.3
        27 July 2023 at 4:44 pm

        Chump change from spinless corporate elects.

        Majority government, with the ability to offer real change. Instead we got scraps from the masters table, and people like you expect me to be grateful. Take a look in the mirror mate.

        • SPC 3.1.3.1
          27 July 2023 at 4:58 pm

          There is a difference, those things listed do matter for many.

          It's a sign of your own privilege, if you think they are not important differences.

          It's a sign of your us and them mentality and related ignorance, and your preponderance to attack others who do not parrot your lines, that you infer anyone noting the facts is asking you to be grateful for the difference between the centre and centre-right.

          (And you do the same, … deserved insult not stated).

          PS I have never voted for Labour or National ya ignorant sod.

          • adam 3.1.3.1.1
            27 July 2023 at 5:36 pm

            Never said you voted labour or national, so put that strawman to bed.

            How about you take the carrot and munch on it slowly so you can reflect for more than two minutes before you comment on what I said.

            This government had the ability to offer substantial economic change, it chose not to. Your list is a beige lick spittle of pathetic reforms to attempt to soften a brutal economic system, are doomed to fail.

            The economic system itself needs to be changed. Reformism at this stage is looking like a sad joke. Because it keeps failing those at the bottom, at the expense of enriching those at the top.

            Calling me privilege, ya ignorant sod.

  4. BK 4
    27 July 2023 at 6:42 am

    Again Labour fails to protect a small part of NZ for future generations, all for profit, when oh when will any of these "leaders" actually lead NZ where it can thrive for all? Absolute losers! Go the Greens

    • Chris 4.1
      27 July 2023 at 3:44 pm

      …and Te Pāti Māori.

      • Rosielee 4.1.1
        27 July 2023 at 5:44 pm

        And you think Maori corporate/tribal interests are going to be any different?

        • B K 4.1.1.1
          27 July 2023 at 6:28 pm

          Yes Rosielee I would think that, mainly because Maori don't want to sell NZ lands to the highest bidder to rape the resources so they can get rich…. Seems a little short sighted don't you think?

        • Chris 4.1.1.2
          28 July 2023 at 9:56 am

          I get a sense this Te Pāti Māori is very different from its predecessors.

          Anyway, apart from the Greens who the hell else is worth voting for?

        • weka 4.1.1.3
          28 July 2023 at 10:58 am

          Iwi were forced into neoliberalism just like everyone else. It's churlish to hold against them that they make the best of a bad situation.

          I think Iwi corporate/tribal interests are an improvement on the dominant culture. They don't have to be perfect to shift us in teh right direct.

  5. Patricia Bremner 5
    27 July 2023 at 7:05 am

    Thanks SPC, I would add support during unexpected events.

    Putting a spoke in the wheel of the fire economy, by supporting workers to stay employed so they don't lose their assets.

    Some always will lose, but compared to the GFC. the Covid recovery has been much better supported, which as Ad has shown, has led to a tax take which will assist us to overcome the debt burden.

    Every voter needs to realise that they could quickly lose all those gains.

    For Act to want to scrap the Human Rights Commission is to possibly allow abuses of workers again.

    Gold in areas of the West Coast will be a consideration, rare earths and new medical discoveries need a window. Blanket bans seldom work, and can cause unintended problems.

    We need to ask why? Not to indulge in knee jerk reactions.

  6. BAW 6
    27 July 2023 at 1:26 pm

    Nat voter here.

    Curious why the Govt has not acted on such an issue. I don't see a ban on conservation land being very politically troublesome to the Govt. I would be interested to hear what advice they have received?

    • Chris 6.1
      27 July 2023 at 2:36 pm

      Like everything else, the advice would've been that anything that might help to protect the environment, while crucial to the future of the planet, will not win votes. End of story.

  7. Roy Cartland 7
    27 July 2023 at 3:33 pm

    Where on earth is "Terry" the commenter on this? He was harassing everyone to get mad at something worthwhile, but now is MIA.

    Please tell me he's not still moaning on about how a single person crashed into a car days ago.