Kia ora koutou,

We have some important updates and an upcoming event that we’d love your support for.

Support Julie at the TDC Presentation
Next Thursday, 12 September, Julie will be presenting to the Tasman District Council (TDC) on the mine proposal and related concerns. She’ll speak for ten minutes to the full council. Your silent and peaceful presence in the public gallery, holding signs, will help convey that these concerns are shared by many in the community.

Details:

• Date & Time: Thursday, 12 September, 9:00 AM
• Location: 189 Queen Street, Richmond
• Meeting Point: Outside the TDC building, and we’ll enter together.
• Contact: If you can attend, please contact Ivor at 027 408 2283 so we can coordinate numbers and rides.

Recent Sign Painting Event
On Sunday, 25 August, the Sam’s Creek Collective held a sign painting event, creating large billboards for display around the bay, especially along main roads between Tākaka and Upper Tākaka. We still have several signs that need homes. If you have a suitable location, please get in touch.

Sign Thefts:

• A large sign at Stott’s Corner, reading “Welcome to Arsenic Bay – risking our water, for Aussie profit,” was stolen overnight before we could even photograph it. This has been reported to the Police.
• Another sign, “You can’t drink gold,” was removed from a private fence in Upper Tākaka.

These incidents show we’re making an impact. If you have any information about the stolen signs, please inform the Police.

Meeting with Siren Gold
Last week, some members met with the CEO and technical officer of Siren Gold. This meeting allowed us to establish a channel of communication and learn more about their plans. We discovered that the tailings dam would likely be located in the headwaters of the Waitui stream, with tunnel access in that area as well. While Siren expressed concern for our water and the unique environment of Waikoropupū Springs, it’s clear that they have no intention of leaving, and Sam’s Creek is now their sole focus.

Thank You for Your Support
Thank you for standing with us in protecting our environment.

Sam’s Creek Collective