South Taranaki seabed mining appeal decision likely this year

A decision on the appeal and cross-appeal of a quashed mining consent in relation to the South Taranaki bight will likely be given before the end of the year.
MONIQUE FORD / Fairfax NZ
A decision on the appeal and cross-appeal of a quashed mining consent in relation to the South Taranaki bight will likely be given before the end of the year.

The decision on legal appeals related to the mining of iron ore off the South Taranaki coast is expected by the end of the year.

At a hearing before the Court of Appeal in in Wellington last week Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd (TTRL) was seeking to overturn a 2018 High Court decision that cancelled the company's consent to mine in the South Taranaki bight. 

There was also a cross-appeal by a number of parties, including Taranaki-Whanganui Conservation Board, to have the 2018 decision upheld. 

In August 2018, the High Court quashed the marine consent granted to TTRL by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for TTRL to mine the an area of seabed in the South Taranaki bight for iron ore.

Following last week's hearing, Conservation Board chair Vicky Dombroski said it was pleased to have had its concerns heard by the Court of Appeal, and looked forward to the Court's decision.

The case was heard by Justices Kos, Goddard and Courtney. At its conclusion, Justice Kos indicated a decision would likely be given before the end of the year.