In late 2009, the government proposed digging up our national parks. The proposal was not popular; 50,000 people marched down Queen Street, and 47,000 signed a petition opposing it and demanding that schedule 4 be extended to cover other conservation areas. Today the Local Government and Environment Committee reported back [PDF] on that petition. The National-Maori Party-ACT majority position?
We do not support the petitioner’s suggestion that a future Crown Minerals Act amendment bill include additions to Schedule 4...So, there you have it: National, ACT and the Maori Party reject further environmental protection. If you want to protect those areas, you know who to vote for in November.[...]
We are satisfied that ecological areas, marine mammal sanctuaries, national reserves, and world heritage areas have sufficient protection, and that mining activity in these areas, where mining is permissible, is carefully monitored and circumscribed. While we appreciate the intent of the petition, we consider it more appropriate for additions to be made to Schedule 4 on a case-by-case basis.