WELLINGTON, 6 June 2013.
The vast majority of people from Taranaki and Whanganui (New Plymouth down to Whanganui) agree with the development of New Zealand’s natural resources, including iron ore, as long as the environment is protected and benefits flow to communities.
This is the key finding of a recent independent survey – 87% of 327 people surveyed support the responsible development of all of New Zealand’s natural resources, South Taranaki iron ore in particular.
The survey was conducted by well-respected independent market research specialist Pauline Colmar during late February and early March by phone. It has a maximum margin of error of 5.4%.
The survey found 69% of participants agree overall with the development of natural resources but the strength of the positive response increases where jobs and economic benefits to communities, regions and country are evident. The most attractive provisos are ‘if local people are employed’, ‘if the money stays in New Zealand’ and ‘if the environment is protected’.
Pauline Colmar says: “There is a sense that the resources are there and should be used.”
Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd (TTR) commissioned the survey to ascertain the interest in and support for its plans to harvest iron ore from the seabed off the South Taranaki coast inshore from the Kupe gas field production platform that lies about 30km off Manaia.
TTR Chief Executive Tim Crossley says the survey results are heartening and have underscored and emphasised the messages the company has heard loud and clear; that care of the environment is the number one issue for residents.
“It also tells us very clearly what we must do to earn the social licence to operate.”
“The people of Taranaki can be assured that TTR shares and understands the concerns highlighted in the survey and is spending very significant sums with independent expert scientists, from organisations like NIWA, to assess any likely effects caused by mining to the seabed, sea life, fish, beaches and shoreline.”
“These experts will recommend mitigation to minimise any issues identified,” he adds.
“We are also delighted to see that the benefits of developing the iron sand resource are seen to be jobs, money and benefits to the community, region and country. Early economic modelling shows that our project will generate around 540 direct new jobs alone.”
He says he is looking forward to presenting a wide range of environmental, social and economic research studies to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when the company lodges applications for consents.
“We recognise consents depend on protecting New Zealand’s valuable environment and that the EPA will scrutinise our application very closely.”
“TTR is here for the long term. Our harvesting operation, while covering a relatively tiny space, will produce for at least 20 years, providing long term employment and money to the local community, while also earning valuable overseas funds for New Zealand.”
Research design:
A sample of Taranaki people, 18 years and older, was surveyed about their attitudes, beliefs and perceptions – specifically:
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Copies of the report are available on the TTR website here
Pauline Colmar can be contacted for comment on the survey on 09 4451434
Tim Crossley can be contacted for comment on what it means to TTR on 021 426225
