The Karangahake community stood their ground yesterday morning to stop mining company New Talisman Gold from entering the mining site on conservation land in the Karangahake Gorge.
More than 30 people stood in front of the gate to the mining site, halting work vehicles from entering for more than two hours.
Nine people were physically removed by police, arrested and immediately released.
One person was arrested and removed from the site by police.
Protect Karangahake spokesperson Susan Durcan says the morning went really well and served to strengthen the resolve of the community to stand up against mining in the area.
“We had an amazing turn-out of supporters and peacefully halted work, while demonstrating our opposition to mining on conservation land in our local community.”
“There was a friendly relationship maintained between police and our local community, and our protest felt strong and poignant.”
Our talented videographer friend, Carl Naus, made this beautiful video of that day and it is a must watch.
You can also listen to these live radio interviews at the action, with The Morning Report (approx 4 mins) and Gold FM (approx 5 mins):
Protect Karangahake 