Sir Grahame Sydney said fast-track legislation had pushed wide open the doors to destruction of the landscape because it had eliminated the community’s opportunity to voice opposition to projects.
"Shane Jones and company are bulldozing over all voices of opposition. And I find that absolutely unacceptable."
Sir Grahame was joining eight other New Zealanders who had donated works to raise funds to fight the Bendigo-Ophir gold mine proposed by Santana Mining under the banner No-Go-Bendigo.
The other artists are Bruce Foster, Dick Frizzell, Elizabeth Thomson, Eric Schusser, Euan Macleod, Gregory O’Brien, Jenna Packer and Nigel Brown.
"Desecration and vandalism of our Central Otago landscape, or any landscape on this scale, is an appalling step and I had foolishly nursed hopes that we were beyond such brutality to the landscape we depend on for so many reasons, not the least of them the economy of Central Otago," Sir Grahame said.
"But this one is particularly egregious because of its permanence and its awful scale.
"The fact that it’s an Australian company is a minor matter to me."
He was happy to participate in anything that raised opposition to the mine and hoped to have some impact on it.
Allowing mining in the area would be a tragedy and the eternally sad aspect was it was forever, he said.
Sir Grahame was part of the fight against Meridian’s Project Hayes wind farm on the Lammermoor Range in 2009.
"The reason why we won the fight against Meridian with Project Hayes Wind Farm ... was that we were able to hold it up through the Environment Court long enough for common sense to be recognised that this was a very poor proposal."
At the time, Sir Grahame said it was an inappropriate scheme in an inappropriate place.
"There ought to be far more opportunity for things to be seen in a balanced light, which means both sides.
"And the community has been absolutely neutered on this and a hell of a lot of other projects too, and it’s extremely upsetting."
Exhibition organiser Gregory O’Brien said the initial group of nine artists had already heard from other artists enthusiastic to help "during the next round".
The artists were offering 20 separate works for sale, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The artworks were being sold at market price, the online exhibition expected to raise over $35,000 for Sustainable Tarras.
Sustainable Tarras chairwoman Suze Keith said the support was superb and much appreciated.
"We’re thrilled that these nine artists have stepped forward and gifted such incredible pieces of artwork.
"The proceeds from the exhibition will go directly to funding expert reports and legal fees to fight the fast-track mine.
"We’re going to need all the help we can get — this is really David versus Goliath."
Santana chief executive Damian Spring said the company respected the rights of artists and community members to express their views.
However, the Bendigo-Ophir project was one of the most scrutinised in Central Otago’s history, with independent studies covering everything from hydrology to biodiversity, he said.
Nearly 90% of the 750 people who had attended the company’s drop-in session supported the project and more than 1000 people had applied for jobs.
"While a handful of artists outside the district are entitled to their views, the overwhelming majority of locals want this project to succeed."
