Political support for a ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa
is gaining momentum ahead of the election, with Labour now
joining Te Pāti Māori, the Greens and Opportunity
supporting a ban, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM) said
today.
After writing to all political parties asking
if they support a ban, this week KASM received the
confirmation in a response from Labour’s oceans and
fisheries spokesperson Rachel Boyack this week, who stated:
“Labour supports a ban on seabed mining in
Aotearoa.”
“This is a significant breakthrough
after so many years of resistance by iwi, hapū and coastal
communities; it’s extremely welcome news for everyone who
has worked to protect our moana from seabed mining,” says
KASM Chairperson Cindy Baxter.
“For more than a
decade we have all fought off the seabed miners; we’ve
stood together in Taranaki, and the Chatham Islands, backed
by people across the motu who have given their time,
expertise and support. This brings the lasting protection we
have fought for a step closer.”
KASM acknowledges
the longstanding leadership of Te Pāti Māori and the
Greens in advocating for a ban, and welcomes the growing
political agreement.
Labour says it will amend the
necessary legislation and associated regulations, including
the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf
(Environmental Effects) Act. It also commits to amending the
replacements to the Resource Management Act and fast-track
legislation to strengthen environmental
protection.
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Unfortunately Labour’s position excludes
sand dredging, which KASM notes is a disappointing policy
given the threats to areas like Bream Bay, currently going
through a Fast
Track application.
The announcement comes after
more than a decade of repeated battles over Australian-owned
Trans-Tasman Resources’ failed applications to mine the
South Taranaki seabed, and an EPA refusal for consent to
wannabe deep seabed phosphate miner Chatham Rock Phosphate.
Both companies are waiting in the wings to get their
projects across the line.
“We shouldn’t have to
keep winning the same fight,” says
Baxter.
“Communities have repeatedly defended the
moana through hearings and courts, all the way to the
Supreme Court, and even the Fast Track said no. Yet each
victory has been followed by the prospect of another
application or another process. That takes an enormous toll
on the people doing the defending.”
“A legislated
ban would give communities lasting protection and certainty.
Labour’s commitment is an important step, and the next
task is to turn that support into law.”
KASM is
calling on parties supporting a ban to set out a clear
legislative timetable and explain how their proposals would
address existing permits and future applications. KASM has
heard back from ACT that they do not support a ban, but
there has been no reply from National or New Zealand
First.
“Our moana sustains wildlife, livelihoods and
relationships that reach across generations. This coming
election is an opportunity to secure its protection for the
generations to come. We urge all political parties to
support a ban on seabed
mining.”
Notes:
Labour’s confirmation was
provided to KASM by Rachel Boyack, its oceans and fisheries
spokesperson. Its statement explicitly excludes “sand
dredging.”
Trans Tasman
Resources
- In 2014 The Environmental
Protection Authority refused Trans Tasman Resources first
application for a discharge consent to mine the South
Taranaki Bight for ironsands. - After the company
reapplied and gained approval in 2017, KASM – with a raft of
other opponents – successfully challenged that decision in
the High Court, and went to succesfully defend the outcome
through the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. - In
February 2026, the Fast Track panel published a
recommendation to decline consent, but TTR withdrew its
application before the very strong 486-page decision could
be confirmed. The official project record still allows for
the company to reapply and the company is telling
shareholders it is waiting for the right policy
environment.
Chatham Rock
Phosphate
- In 2015 the EPA refused Chatham Rock
Phosphate’s application for a discharge consent to mine
phosphate off the deep seabed near the Chatham
Rise. - The company is now attempting to re-list on
the NZX and has new financial backing from global critical
minerals company Wetstone. - CRP is on the “waiting
list” for fast track
applications.
