firstly it is an australian company. where will the majority of profits go do you think? safety will go as well. Australia is bloody near 1 great big mine site, and they are robbing all the mineral resources out of the ground contrary to OECD guidelines. follow the link and read it all especially the mining link. http://www.ethicalcorp.com/governance-regulation/what-business-should-know-about-oecd-guidelines

Now tell me if I am wrong, but isn't this a democracy where the will of the majority rules? If that majority votes to elect a government that seeks to rebuild the wealth of NZ by allowing mining then so be it. The only way that F&B would have their way is if a minority ruled, and that is not called democracy. I want to see my kids grow up in a wealthy country with job prospects, not just receive handouts of birdseed.

This is National's last term and boy will they do damage if we do not stop them. I agree - "and so it begins" Broken promises and not listening to the people and failing the people and environment. This mining issue should show everyone National's priorities. Broken promises and stupid Kiwis who voted him back in. Be ashamed all you Kiwis who did not get out and vote Labour. Most will be disappointed. Flog off our assets to satisfy short-term needs. IT IS INSANE THAT YOU ENDORSED A GOVT WHO WANTS TO SELL OUR ASSETS.

Fantastic news. We can hopefully start mining and make some money for a change and forget about the green stuff. Mine and feed the people is more important for NZ than worrying about feeding the birds.

lol @ Prosper's "there is no money in feeding the birds". There's the right wing position in a nutshell. And our government is exactly that selfish and short-sighted. The longer we let these money-worshippers lead the world, the more we deserve the inevitable results.

The public was actually notified on the matter. It was publicised in 'The Westport News', 'Greymouth Star', 'The Press' and The westcoast regional councils website. It may well be those that have not heard of it, live outside the district. If you want a say with what goes on, perhaps you should keep up with the local news.

Where are the jobs? Oh there they are, you mean there is a cost? Well who would have thought it? Maybe the reality is that we would never get anywhere in this country because there is always some reason not to do something from a vocal minority. It will be managed and it is pretty much out of sight. A desolate area and most folk have never been there. I have been there 5 times in the last 2 years and I did wonder why it was not mined then. It is a resource and NZ needs jobs and money. Decisions need to be made and it is nothing to do with transparency. Make the decisions, that's what a government is supposed to do and stop spending! This is not the time.

Go Kate, About time this PC lot got sent packing. Get ride of the RMA and all the business's and professional protestors who built a career out of it ...byebye. The country is poor , borderline third world at best. With no money to pay for decent infrastructure so its being sold , all the while we look at some of the highest concentration of minerals in the world while we starve....so sorry oh so sorry F and B but we dont care....

Ah, the old " non-notifiable-trick" ... happened to Templeton people a few years back , a huge turnout of residents voted in a show of hands against a "burnout" pad in the area.They were PROMISED, at the meeting, that they could put in submissions later and to leave their names and addresses. 2 months later they all got a letter from Council saying it was "non'notifiable' and no submissions were being taken. The Pad cost you ratepayers close to $80,000 plus the cost of a councillor ( Stonhill) travelling to Australia to look at one over there. Same old same old.

Well they need to do something to raise some money and employment as there is no money in feeding the birds, good stuff get some wealth and start rebuilding New Zealand,