Coromandel Watchdog
Encyclopedia
Coromandel Watchdog is an environmental organisation lobbying in opposition to mining on the Coromandel Peninsula
in New Zealand.
The Coromandel Peninsula is an area of high scenic values due to the presence of the original forest cover and a coastline that is popular for recreation. Goldmining has been carried out since the late 19th century. To the south of the peninsula the Martha Mine
at Waihi is still operating.
Coromandel Watchdog began protests and lobbying in the 1970s against the activities of mining companies. It was instrumental in having conservation land on the Coromandel Peninsula protected under Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act
.
In 2009, Watchdog was reactivated after a period of inactivity. The National-led Government is proposing the removal of up to 2,500 hectares of Coromandel land from Schedule 4 and Coromandel Watchdog have publicly come out and stated that they will fight the current proposals.
Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula lies in the North Island of New Zealand. It is part of the Waikato Region and Thames-Coromandel District and extends 85 kilometres north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty, forming a natural barrier to protect the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames in the west...
in New Zealand.
The Coromandel Peninsula is an area of high scenic values due to the presence of the original forest cover and a coastline that is popular for recreation. Goldmining has been carried out since the late 19th century. To the south of the peninsula the Martha Mine
Martha Mine
The Martha Mine is a gold mine owned by the Newmont Mining Corporation in the New Zealand town of Waihi.-History:William Nicholl marked out a claim, calling it "Martha" after a family member. Several smaller claims were later merged to form the Martha Company. By 1882 the first battery to break...
at Waihi is still operating.
Coromandel Watchdog began protests and lobbying in the 1970s against the activities of mining companies. It was instrumental in having conservation land on the Coromandel Peninsula protected under Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act
Crown Minerals Act 1991
The Crown Minerals Act is an Act of Parliament passed in 1991 in New Zealand. It controls the management of Crown owed minerals. Potential changes to Schedule 4 of the Act created controversy and opposition in 2010...
.
In 2009, Watchdog was reactivated after a period of inactivity. The National-led Government is proposing the removal of up to 2,500 hectares of Coromandel land from Schedule 4 and Coromandel Watchdog have publicly come out and stated that they will fight the current proposals.