Not sure if we are political activists or environmental ones. Probably both.

Our fabulous government, in its infinite wisdom, has introduced something called Fast Track Legislation. The political spin around this legislation claims that it is all about cutting through red tape and bureaucracy to allow essential infrastructure projects to proceed in a timely fashion. In reality we are seeing money grabbing, private (and overseas) companies avoiding the usual (and very necessary) environmental checks and balances. The process itself does not allow for any community consultation or opposition.

The proposal that we have objected to is much too close for comfort.

Auckland Company, McCallum Brothers Ltd (MBL), has applied through the Fast Track Bill to dredge over 8,000,000 m3  of sand from Bream Bay over the next 35 years.

The company has stirred controversy in similar operations nearby. Read all about it at https://savebreambaysand.org or https://www.whca.nz/no-sandmining-bream-bay/

Sue has been busy writing to MPs and Ministers to try and gain support from some, raise awareness with others and let the chief protagonists know that they will have a fight on their hands. Her requests for information through the official information act have been ignored resulting in official complaints to the Ombudsman. We are still waiting!

We have both been busy trying to raise awareness in the local community and further afield. Manning stalls at local markets and getting people to sign a petition to go to parliament.

The biggest event for the group took place on Ruakaka Beach. We had a fantastic turnout with hundreds of people forming human letters to send a message to Government and McCallum Bros.

We even made it onto TV One News…

From the beach to the water

Our next protest took place out on the water with Taihoa acting as the coordinating vessel attempting to get a line up of boats to show exactly where the mining will take place.

A film crew was out on the water, interviewing and getting background footage for some kind of documentary.

Naturally, Sue had something to say…