Ethics - what Ethics!

The district council's Policy & Planning Committee on the 15th April passed a motion changing the status of mining under the District Plan.

The chairperson is Brian Sharp. The other members are Philippa Bariball, Yvonne Walmsley, and Noel Hewitt. The committee has delegated authority and made the decision without reference to, or consultation with any other councillors, or the community.

This is despite council Principal Policy Planner, Bruce Baker, advising the Policy & Planning committee in May 2003 that; "There is a need for the community to be involved in the settlement of this reference and the number of third parties showing interest reflects this."  

There are clear requirements in the Local Government Act 2002 for  “early and full” consultation   with communities on decisions of significant importance to them. It obviously never occurred to the committee that the issue of mining which this community has battled against for 25 years fitted the above requirement and advice and they should consult the community who elected them.

While this disregard for ethics and good practice may reflect the standards set by this Lux lead council it is astounding that the individuals involved gave no consideration to informing their fellow councillors let alone the community before making a decision that plunges us back into the protracted battles of yesteryear.

Perhaps it is significant that only one of the four are standing for council again - Noel Hewlett, although there is one 'wannabe mayor' among them.

The full text of the committee minutes, now removed from the TCDC website, is below.

On 15th April the TCDC Policy and Planning Committee met and under;

Item 4.4 - Proposed District Plan – References by NZMIA and Ministry of Eco nomic Development.

Mr Matheson addressed the committee tabled Provision for Mining report and Tables 1-3 activity status for surface mining, underground mining, mining operations and review of references, seeking the committees approval to approach the references by New Zealand Mineral Industry Association and Ministry of Eco nomic Development.

Resolved: That the Policy and Planning Committee:

1. Receive the report.

2. Resolves on the issues that may be settled by consent prior to the hearing in the Environment Court .

3. Agrees to the recommended approach presented by Mr Matheson

• Separate the activity of mining into surface, underground and mining operations.

• Provide for earthworks and land disturbance with separate standards.

• Delete the references to quarrying (ie surface mining).

• Provide for surface mining, underground mining and mining operations as shown in tables 1,2 and 3.

 Moved/Seconded By: Hewlett/Sharp

Notice-board

Headlines

Week commencing 21 February 2005 Paku Bay Marina Environment Court hearing commences at Tairua. View Paku Bay Preservation Society newsletter and  other information on this critical case.

Media release - 3rd October, 2004. ECO

Watchdog pledge - Candidate responses

Candidate's mining statements

Ethics? - what ethics!

The difference between Quarrying & Mining

current mining  background

Watchdog press release

Environment Court decision pdf(526kb)

Recycle Shop seagull trust formed

Coast Rd Transit plans.

History with Transit

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