Cypress/Happy Valley News No 1a
I thought its about time I formalised this newsletter Ive been sending around to the nearly 40 people on the address list.
Will we appeal? We have until July 12 (7 days) to decide. Ngakawau Riverwatch, Buller Conservation Group (BCG) and F&B are all making the decision this week.
Is it worthwhile? I think it is, mainly because we have a national campaign up and running, so even if all it does is buy us time it will be worth while.
Having said that, there is also a lot to gain.
1. It is a boost to everyone's morale to know someone is appealing.
2. The public likes to think groups like ours will exhaust all the legal avenues before taking direct action. If anyone questions our future tactics we can say - we tried everything.
3. Appeals are a chance to make media releases, to meet other activists and submitters, and for new evidence to come to light. For example, we now know kiwi transfers are risky - birds can be maimed or die.
4. If there is mediation we can win improvements to conditions eg continuous monitoring of toxic metals, monitoring of shell fish up the coast.
5. The lodging of an appeal will stop Sold Energy making a sudden bulldozer foray into Happy Valley as a symbol the mine is going ahead.
6. A successful appeal could stop the mine, particularly if we have already won the battle for the publics hearts and minds.
Who can appeal. Anyone can, but you need a lawyer and experts. This means its really up to the groups. The appeal can be wide-ranging or cover a narrow field eg water monitoring/policing. So Ngakawau Riverwatch could do this. F&B and/or BCG could do a broad sweep including kiwis, snails, public access etc.
If only one NGO appeals, others can piggy back on as 'interested parties'.
Visiting Happy Valley The road from Denniston to the old mine office (rusty red shed) at Cedar has had its annual maintenance, so the bog hole has been filled and you can get a car most of the way to the ford over the Waimangaroa R. Its important that we get up there regularly. A month ago two of us discovered pollution in Herbert Str and this led to a lot of media interest and some red faces at Solid Energy. Their PR tactic is to express deep concern and assure everyone they are dedicated to making big improvements.
Other news Save Happy Valley group have been holding meetings around the country and are talking of camping back up the valley in August. Someone has offered to do a documentary for TV and hopes to be here next week. Ngakawau R is running dirty with all the wet weather we've had. Ngakawau Riverwatch had a v successful fundraising dinner/rocky horror show last Sat.
Pete Lusk
This newsletter is not copyright - feel free to circulate to yr friends.
