Mineral stocktake protesters post their thoughts

Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand president Rob Mitchell, of Dunedin, with a postcard he will be sending the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Energy and Conservation, asking them to reconsider a mineral stocktake for national parks. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand president Rob Mitchell is asking his 12,000 members to send scenic postcards to John Key detailing their displeasure over a mineral stocktake for national parks.

And he is not stopping there.

He is asking members of the public to join the club and send postcards featuring their favourite national parks to Mr Key and Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee and Conservation Minister Tim Groser.

"I don't believe these ministers realise how seriously New Zealanders view their proposal."

The strategic stocktake of minerals on conservation land is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Mr Mitchell said if the Government was not serious about mining, then "why do a stock take?".

"We shouldn't be plundering public resources for the sake of the mining lobby."

The conservation estate was a major drawcard for international tourists who came to New Zealand for the "100% Pure" experience, and any mining on Doc land would endanger that image, he said.

He likened the campaign to that waged against the raising of Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri, which was successful in limiting hydro-electric development.

For 80 years, club members had campaigned for the national parks and were not about to lose them "for the sake of cheap, one-off mining".

"National parks are a New Zealand taonga [treasure]."

Mr Mitchell urged other National Party members to voice their concerns to the ministers and stop the stocktake or "let it become an election issue in two year's time".

"I am sure there is a large number of MPs who are embarrassed by this and want it to stop."