We won! As reported in the Taranaki Daily News, the New Zealand High Court has overturned a decision by the Environmental Protection Authority to grant a seabed mining consent off the coast of South Taranaki.
In August last year Trans Tasman Resources was granted consent to mine up to 50 million tonnes of iron sand from a 66 sq km area off the South Taranaki Bight. Following a split decision, the chairperson cast his vote in favor of TTR’s consent.
The court’s findings focused on what the appellants argued was “adaptive management” – a practice of essentially “trying it out and seeing what happens” – which they argued is illegal under New Zealand law. The judge agreed that the Exclusive Economic Zone Act sets out requirements to protect the environment against pollution and to favor caution and environmental protection if the information available is inadequate.
Read more here: Taranaki Daily News
The Most Revolutionary Act 
Well that is good news for a change! Well done! I’ll take this victory! Can I get another? Yeah, I know…I’m greedy.
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Since you mention it, Shelby we (Taranaki Energy Watch) have our closing arguments today in our Environmental Court appeal over rule setting for fracking wells (you know – like keeping them away from homes, schools and hospitals). I’m not allowed to say much at present, but let’s just say the oil and gas companies haven’t been fully transparent about how dangerous fracking is.
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