Carter signs off on species extinction
Press Release: Save Happy Valley Coalition
12th April 2006

The Save Happy Valley Coalition is appalled at Chris Carter’s decision to allow Solid Energy to move almost the entire population of Powelliphanta “Augustus” snails from their home on Mt Augustus. In doing so, he has signed a warrant for the extinction of New Zealand’s newest species of carnivorous land snail.

“This is a black day for New Zealand biodiversity,” said Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson. “Despite consistent advice from his Department that moving the snails will lead to their extinction, Chris Carter has bowed to pressure from Solid Energy and has signed off on New Zealand’s first state-sponsored species extinction.”

The Minister has claimed that three conservation measures give him enough certainty that the snails will survive, but scientific advice from the Department of Conservation has consistently concluded that the only way to ensure that the species does not become extinct is to leave the snails where they are. “Why is the Minister ignoring his own scientists’ advice?” asked Ms Mountier.

• moving 250 snails to a new area
• moving snail habitat with heavy machinery
• taking snails into captivity

“Where are Solid Energy planning on putting these 250 snails, even if they can find that many?” said Ms Mountier. “We have proof that the proposed site will only hold 85 snails, which is certainly not enough to be a sustainable population. Direct transfer of habitat with heavy machinery is an unproven technique that is unlikely to succeed, and taking Powelliphanta snails into captivity has never led to a successful breeding population.”

“Why hasn’t the Minister required Solid Energy ensure that these measures succeed before they destroy the original population?” she added.

“Solid Energy seem to have so little regard for the environment that they are willing to drive entire species to extinction. This reinforces public concerns about the proposed mine in nearby Happy Valley.”

The Save Happy Valley Coalition is a collection of groups currently occupying nearby Happy Valley, the site of a proposed open-cast coal mine which is home to 13 threatened species, including another species of Powelliphanta snail, and kiwi.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition, 021 1757484

The Save Happy Valley Coalition is a collection of groups and individuals from around Aotearoa committed to stopping Solid Energy's proposed open cast coal mine in Happy Valley (Upper Waimangaroa Valley) on the West Coast. They are also deeply concerned about the fate of all endangered species under threat from Solid Energy – such as the Powelliphanta snail at the nearby Mt Augustus. The coalition is made up of West Coast locals, students, workers and the general public. The group has a track record of creative protests, occupations and lock-ons as well as producing a variety of informative media. More information about the coalition and its history can be found at http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/aboutus.htm

Save Happy Valley have been occupying Happy Valley (which is east of Mt Augustus) since 28th January 2006.

The main part of the population of Powelliphanta "Augustus" lives on 3-4 hectares of land, more than 90% of which is within the Stockton Mining Licence. Solid Energy was forced by High Court action brought by Forest and Bird in December to apply to the Ministers of Conservation and Energy for permits to move these snails before they mine their habitat.