Mining and Labour trying to fuck it

[rainman]

Economic growth for a community has to be good

A common misconception. Growth is not always good, or sufficient. (Alternatives: Consider Sarkozy's Décroissance approach, or listen to Prof Tim Jackson's Feb 2010 LSE talk, google "the end of growth", or even read this good article at Feasta.

Anyway, back to mining:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/storie...0/1247f90b22e9
"Mining plan could make $2.3m extra a year - NZIER"

We're borrowing $250m a week, and this cockamamie plan could make $2.3m a year? There's at least that in negative reputational effects already, I'm sure. And Nact have burned how much political capital over this? Just incompetent. I'll be pleaed to see them go.

[mashman]

It's difficult to ever know the mood of a nation but on this issue I think the govt got it badly wrong. They should have quietly gone ahead with the survey, given that it is useful information, without the jubilant public announcements. Now there is a fair chance most kiwis are against the mining no matter how small scale it is. We should remember that Labour approved many mining applications with no public awareness at all.

It's difficult to know the mood of a nation if you're put in power, by the people, to do these things on their behalf... oh, that and you have to ASK THE PEOPLE IN THE FIRST PLACE... I suppose that's what the submissions are for. Either way, Red or Blue, mining is either a millstone or a gemstone... and just because they only have, potentially, 3 years in office, doesn't mean that they should just half arse any solution... unfortunately though, this looks to be the case... as per any government

[mashman]

Well looks like the Ozzies have found some gold and diamonds in them thar hills... or is it just an excuse to go diggin around the area?

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-sto...-diamond-find/

[avgas]

Not that I think mining the conservation estate is the right thing to do - leave it alone. The benefits are unknown and the risks to one of the few diverse pristine environments left on the planet too great.

As stated I am not against mining. But if we mine something called "Conservation estate" then the words have no meaning.
Even without the green aspect - we are not a nation of 2 year olds. No should mean NO! not mabey, not "just a little bit"
Conservation means to try and conserve all possible original attributes as viable.
Why even have "Laws" and "Rules" if we cant even sort the names we give things in this place.
How would politicians like it if we decided we did not like paying "Compulsory" tax and stopped - even just a little bit?

May our ancestors turn in their graves - we don't know what the word "conservation" means anymore

[avgas]

15 years ago Waihi was like Mangatawhiri, Pokeno, Mercer, Mangakino, Mangaweka, Whangamomona all are now. the mine has given people jobs, opened new businesses, built houses, supported schools and expanded social services.

Pffftt 15 years ago - you must be a youngin
We moved to Waihi Beach in 1983 - old man was working in the mines in Gorge first. Then transferred to Martha Pit.
Previous to that there were the shafts in Martha Hill - since the early 1900's?
The old pump house was not just for show then.
Waihi was basically created around that mine. Which is why there is some interesting rail and pubs. Also lots of little settlements like Waikino etc

As for big companies always cleaning up after themselves and putting all money back into the country - Waihi has not always had a good run. Anyone remember these guys we don't even get a mention on their website any more.