What you are all missing here is the fact that the Government as a part of their normal mandate, continue to review information that is before them and collate reports, maps, charts and research etc. There is nothing sinister in their declarations, they are made each year by whatever Government is in power (and would be expected of a Green Government - if such a thing ever was to exist).

As usual our media (God luv 'em), are taking the normal Government reporting process and wringing a story out of it. If your Government was not reviewing this information, or collating it, or assessing it, they would not be managing New Zealand's resources.

There's a lot worse going on... even in the NZ Banana Republic. Pity people freak at what they read without realising it's OLD NEWS!

Mine it all.How else are we going to pay for the Treaty .

Pete #76, Er, yes that was a silly statement, and then giving Zimbabwe as an example of what NZ could become if we don't mine Fiordland, just made it that much sillier. :)

It's probably too early to get all worked up about this yet. However whilst I doubt anyone would approve of destroying NZ national parks it is important to remember that without a half decent standard of living(which is what we have now - i.e. HALF decent) NZ isn't really that flash. I have lived and traveled all around the world and there many countries with national parks, wilderness, beaches and the rest that beat us hands down. What we do manage to combine our wicked outdoor lifestyle together with some fun cities and a neat sense of independence. This is why I love coming home and living here.

I think its plainly obvious that there will never be large scale mining in these areas. Its great that people speak up to make it clear how the nation thinks however it is pretty lame to use it as a chance to bash the National government - this certainly doesn't strengthen your argument. Even if you were correct in blaming John Key for the worlds enviromental problems to just shout abuse and accusations of greediness is hardly going to change anything - its not like hes going to think "wow - now theses a vote we're missing out on....". Argee sensibly and people might take notice.

Para #4 "mining would most likely happen only on land of low conservation value", awfully subjective statement & if the govt review the Crown Minerals Act, you can be sure the definition of "low conservation value" will also be amended to support the crowns position. Who will carry out the mining? The govt should not, will it be a tender process? Will the profits go off-shore (more than likely)? What if mining takes place & they find nothing? Im sure all these questions will be answered (satisfactorily or not) in the Govt review process. I am weary & very aware that Mr Gerry Brownlee is obviously a person who does not place high value on conservationism. He should not be the figure-head for this proposal. I don't believe this to be the miracle cure for the NZ economy, at best, it provides a sundry number of jobs & perhaps capital for reinvestment for the Govt coffers. It is good that the Govt are pro-actively seeking to make the "cake" bigger. An area where the Labour Govt fell desperately short. Does anyone else notice John Key's deafening silence & distance on this issue?? - Rangi.

GO NATIONAL !!!! Glad i voted against you plonkers.. i await natures revenge..

What many do not realise is that NZ can become a third world country.

Beautiful and unspoilt but with no proper infrastructure, no money to pay for imports like medicine, tractors, cars or any of the trappings of civilisation. Skilled people leave in droves, our standard of education and living as well as life expectancy drops, currency is worthless and poverty rules. We sit among beautiful bits of nature while starving. You cannot eat beech trees.

A silly statement - well ask those in Zimbabwe. their country has been ruined for different reasons and by different means, but it's pretty much what we can do to NZ if we do not balance environment with the economy.

AshamedToBeAKiwiNow #8 ... I agree except that if you don't like pine trees with manky lakes you'll be pretty disappointed with Finland.

No. No. And no. Move to Perth, take Australia's mining industry's great paying jobs, then move home to retire in the untouched, beautiful surroundings of NZ.

Oil exploration is fine, and so is mining, but it needs to be New Zealand company's so the profits can stay in New Zealand and not go overseas. Also rehabilitation of particular sites is also important.