Mining

The self-styled champion of the provinces fronted up to West Coast council and business leaders with an update on the government’s infrastructure and economic goals.

The list, released for consultation, will form part of its mineral strategy which maps the potential and practicality of mining.

Golden Bay residents have raised concerns that the proposed gold mine could have dire consequences for the region's water quality, including the famed Te Waikoropupū Springs.

Why locals fear the government could steal away the hard-won protection of their pristine coastline.

Labour has voted against a Green Party bill prohibiting mining of conservation lands. .