August 17 2021
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Sand mining solution possible u by Andy Bryenton
A resource consent stoush over seabed and foreshore sand mining continues in the Kaipara’s east, with greater cooperation between groups opposing the application of mining firms.
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In May, the groups opposing McCallum Brothers and Kaipara Limited, which want to secure a 20-year resource consent to continue mining sand from the Mangawhai-Pakiri coast, presented evidence that they claim shows irreversible ecological damage and poor oversight linked to dredging operations. “After recent storms, the whole coast suffered massive erosion, rolling dunes were reduced to five-metre cliffs,” says Stop Sand Mining group spokesperson Ken Rayward. “Additionally, a group of surfers contacted me last week saying that the wave patterns off Te Arai beach have been permanently damaged by the sand mining; a recreational attraction destroyed forever. This sand doesn’t come back.” It’s the position of sand mining supporters that good quality sand is a vital part of solving the nation’s building and housing crisis. It’s a core ingredient of cement, and readily accessible sand of a good grade is needed to build everything from foundations to motorways. Resource Consent commissioners ordered a two-week hiatus for answers to relevant questions to be researched. In that time, the companies seeking consent suggested they could undertake a bathymetric survey to prove that their operations were sustainable. Friends of Pakiri, Stop Sand Mining and others opposed to the continued removal of sand insisted on expert oversight of this survey. It will likely take place this month and into September. Meanwhile, two requests for sand mining to cease have
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p The community is calling a halt on the excavation of thousands of tonnes of sand each month; but there may be a solution suggested by the mining industry itself
been handed to the Auckland Council, which controls the jurisdiction where the sand mining occurs. Despite this regional boundary, Mr Rayward says he has digital maps and tracking proving that the sand dredges cross the boundary into Kaipara waters, where they have no resource consent to operate. A possible solution is on the horizon, however. Mr Rayward and
his colleagues uncovered a press release dating from 2006 and written by the sand mining industry leaders, detailing a plan to dredge sand from within the Kaipara Harbour. The suggestion from opponents of the damage being caused to the east coast; come west where there is excess sand and talk to the council. ¢
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