About the Thames Coast Protection Society

Our Incorporated Society arose from the struggle by local people to prevent mining on the Coromandel Peninsula from the late 1970's on. Soon after the commencement of the Monowai hearing in 1987 the Tapu and Waiomu Action Groups combined as the Thames Coast Preservation and Protection Society Incorporated.

The following are excerpts from a history of our society, PROTECTING THE THAMES COAST: Margaret Pye – Titirangi 2003

THE BATTLE AGAINST THE RE-OPENING OF THE MONOWAI MINE

Around the turn of the century for about 23 years, the Monowai Mine operated in the Waiomu Valley. It was finally closed in 1935 and the site lay barren and wasted. In 1983 an application to re-open this mine in the Coromandel Conservation Park was made by Spectrum Resources.

Spectrum Resources made a huge mistake in assuming that any opposition to their project would fade away in the face of promises to put in a water supply sourced from above the mining site. They totally misjudged the strength of opposition in the small local community. They did not envisage the dedicated and continued support the Waiomu Action Group would receive from the Tapu Action Group, or recognise the power of the commitment of Coromandel Watchdog to prevent mining on the Peninsula. They did not foresee the assistance that would come from environmentalists throughout New Zealand.

Aims

Our aim, often quoted, is to work for the social, spiritual and physical well-being of the lands, waters and communities of the Thames Coast. Our beliefs are expressed in an extract from an information document distributed at the Summer Fair in 1992. In support of our contention that mining was totally inappropriate on the Coromandel Peninsula, we wrote countless letters, submissions, press releases to raise awareness of how it conflicted with more appropriate development.

Green Network

In our efforts to protect the environment of the Thames Coast we were strongly supported by ECO, (Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ) by Forest and Bird, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. We sent representatives to ECO conferences and were inspired by their members’ wide knowledge of conservation issues and especially by their commitment. It felt good to be part of a national and indeed an international green wave.

There was always some of us at Watchdog meetings, invariably Graham and I. We regarded our Society as an associate of Watch­dog rather than being under their umbrella, but their longstanding and effective presence on the Peninsula was already effective in bringing the threats to the Coromandel to the notice of many, many New Zealanders before the Tapu and Waiomu Action Groups were formed. Of course this was an immeasurable help to us as was their continued support. The experience, knowledge, and commitment of people like Catherine Delahunty, the Pennys, the Donoghues and the Tugenhafts was like a bulwark when we found the waves of opposition to our cause threatening to overwhelm us. Mike O’Donnell of Ohinemuri Earthwatch, and Denis Tegg and Michelle Fill of the Thames Environmental Society were also always strongly beside us.

MEMBERSHIP GREW QUICKLY

Our membership expanded to about 250 members. We published and distributed regular newsletters. The cost of this was kept down by help with photocopying, and by a network of free distribution that included local postal delivery centres.

:PROTECTING THE THAMES COAST: Margaret Pye – Titirangi 2003

Notice-board

Headlines

The difference between Quarrying & Mining

current mining  background

Environment Court decision pdf(526kb)

Mark & Nedilka roast Coffee as well as Miners -- from the Thames Organic Co-op shop or below