New Zealand First has unveiled a policy focused on expanding the country’s mining industry, streamlining approvals, and directing a portion of mining revenue back to local communities. The announcement came as party leader Winston Peters campaigns in Westport, and included the naming of former Buller mayor Jamie Cleine as the candidate for the West Coast-Tasman electorate in the upcoming November general election.
Streamlining Approvals and Reining in DOC
The party aims to address what it describes as an overly complex and inefficient mining approval system. According to NZ First, current “rules don’t improve environmental outcomes but do a extremely good job of stopping investment and costing jobs.” The proposed changes would include alterations to where mining can occur, longer-term permits, and revisions to geological surveying rules.
The policy as well targets the Department of Conservation (DOC), with plans to “rein in” the agency through changes to the Conservation and Wildlife Acts. This would prioritize protection for areas of “genuinely endangered species” and allow DOC to “stay focused on their core priorities.”
Regional Investment and Economic Growth
A key component of the policy is the redirection of half of all mining royalties to local services and long-term development in the regions where mining takes place. These funds would be allocated to areas such as water services, flood protection, energy generation, tourism, transport, and housing development.
NZ First asserts that mining is “one of our most productive sectors,” contributing “billions to our economy” and supporting “thousands of jobs” without contributing to inflation. The party believes the policy will unlock New Zealand’s resource potential and create opportunities for “everyday Kiwis.”
Future Steps
If elected, New Zealand First intends to invest in science and innovation to support the mining sector and establish a new School of Mines to upskill New Zealanders for high-paying mining jobs. The party also aims to move beyond a “dig and ship” model by adding value to resources domestically before export.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of NZ First’s mining policy?
The primary goal is to expand New Zealand’s mining industry, streamline approvals, and ensure that the economic benefits of mining are directed back to the regions where the activity takes place.
How would NZ First change the role of the Department of Conservation?
NZ First intends to “rein in” DOC by prioritizing protection for areas of “genuinely endangered species” and allowing the department to focus on its “core priorities.”
What percentage of mining royalties would be returned to local communities?
Half of the funds from mining royalties would be directed to local services and long-term development in the regions where mining is occurring.
As New Zealand First proposes these changes to the mining sector, how might these policies impact the balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the regions most affected?
