Case Study: Mineral extraction or maintenance of the conservation estate in New Zealand: Which takes precedence?
Abstrakt
This paper describes the public consultation process undertaken by the New Zealand government in 2010 to review the status of the country's conservation estate in order to potentially open it up to mineral prospecting. In an attempt to reignite growth following the impact of the world economic crisis on the New Zealand economy, the government suggested removing a portion of conservation land under 'Schedule Four' of the Crown Minerals Act to access what it claimed were billions of dollars of mineral deposits.
The paper details the controversy ignited by this proposal and outlines the arguments used on both sides of the debate. Analysis is made of the way the government handled the issue and concludes that its ultimate decision to withdraw the proposal was essentially the result of ill-conceived economic arguments and a failure in communication and public relations.
Analysis of the public participatory process involved in the government consultation finds that the public debate was a catalyst for New Zealanders to revisit the importance they place on their natural heritage and whether or not intrinsic values should trump economic values. Suggestions are also made regarding further possible research topics.