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Aotearoa (New Zealand) is currently at a crossroads as a new coalition government moves to overturn a longstanding ban on resource extraction. This decision has ignited a fierce debate rooted in environmental concerns and cultural heritage.
The ban on extraction, encompassing mining and drilling, was initially enacted to safeguard Aotearoa’s unique ecosystems and honor the land’s cultural significance to the Māori. However, proponents of lifting the ban argue for economic growth, job creation, and energy security as primary motivations.
While much of the news coverage focuses on oil and gas extraction, the proposed policy changes also aim to boost mining activities, including seabed mining off the shores of Aotearoa. Additionally, these projects are set to be expedited due to a proposal to accelerate the consent processes, facilitating quicker implementation.
Seabed mining is gaining increasing prominence as New Zealand’s new coalition government deliberates over approving a second seabed mining project proposed by Ngarara Exploration Limited (NEL). This project aims to extract vanadium, a metal increasingly recognized as a safer and more responsible alternative to lithium for batteries. NEL’s proposal follows the contentious efforts of Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR), an Australian mining giant seeking approval to mine 50 million tonnes of iron sands off the Taranaki coastline. The TTR project has been embroiled in a prolonged and contentious approval process with the Auckland government.
The proposal faces staunch opposition from Māori communities, who view it as a direct threat to their land and cultural identity. For the Māori, the land is not merely a resource but a sacred entity deeply intertwined with their spiritual and ancestral heritage.
“In Māori culture, the land and its features are interconnected with our identity and survival,” explains Māori elder Te Ngaehe Wanikau. “Our connection to the land is not just physical but spiritual, passed down through generations. It’s integral to our well-being.”
Māori traditions emphasize guardianship over exploitation, advocating for sustainable practices that preserve the land for future generations. The economic benefits of extraction often bypass Māori communities, exacerbating existing disparities. For the past year, Māori and allies took to the streets in large numbers to protest the new right-wing coalition’s policies, which not only will overturn an extraction ban but also threaten many of their traditional ways.
Beyond Aotearoa, this controversy resonates globally, highlighting broader struggles for Indigenous rights during the energy transition. The Māori resistance underscores the importance of honoring and centering Indigenous voices regarding the impacts of mining.