Mining on conservation land 'undermines 100% Pure brand'

Ms Delahunty was responding to the opening today of the National Government’s second competitive minerals tender, called New Zealand Epithermal Gold 2013. The tender for metallic minerals exploration permits is open to companies interested in 8,040 square kilometres in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions of the North Island including areas of the Pureora Forest Park.
"Gold mining in our conservation estate is no path to prosperity for our communities. Many jobs in the central North Island, such as agriculture and tourism, rely on our 100% Pure brand," said Ms Delahunty.
"According to a recent Greenpeace report, 50 percent of all New Zealand jobs rely on our clean, green reputation.
"Gold mining isn’t environmentally benign, it creates toxic tailings dams. The Government has had to pay nearly $15 million to clean up the toxic tailings dump at Te Aroha.
http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/mining-conservation-land-undermines-100-pure-brand/5/165704