National Party MP Nikki Kaye is hitting out at her own leader John Key’s plan to mine Great Barrier Island. She joins the growing list of conservative opponents against the plan, with Auckland Mayor John Banks also voicing his opposition.
According to stuff.co.nz:
Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye spoke out yesterday against proposals to allow mining on 705 hectares of Great Barrier Island.
“My personal view is that when environmental and economic factors are taken into account, and given the island’s status in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, mining on Great Barrier Island doesn’t stack up. I’ll be strongly advocating that position to my colleagues in the Government.”
She had not yet discussed the issue with other caucus members.
The fact that one of the Government’s own ambitious MPs is hitting out against the mining plan, shows just how the toxic Key’s mining is. Kaye knows she has no hope of winning Auckland Central if mining goes ahead on Great Barrier Island. And I suspect bulldozing the Coromandel won’t be popular with constituents either!
Auckland Mayor John Banks has also hit out at the plan:
‘I am the Mayor for Great Barrier Island and I am completely opposed to any mining on this island. It is the untouched jewel in the crown of the Hauraki Maritime Park.
‘The suggestion that Great Barrier Island be removed from Schedule 4 protection is unacceptable.’
Mayor Banks says mining would have a severe impact on the local tourism and fishing industries.
Good on Nikki Kaye for standing up for the right thing. It’s time John Key starting listening to Kiwis, including his own party. The madness must be stopped.
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