
No Sandmining Bream Bay/Ruakākā
Help protect our precious coastlines by signing the petition to stop destructive sand mining in Bream Bay, which includes Waipu Cove, Langs Beach and Ruakākā.
Sand mining destroys sea floors, erodes coastal protections, and threatens the habitats of critically endangered species like the tara iti - our most endangered bird with less that 40 left.
Why is this so urgent?
McCallum Bros Ltd (MBL), an Auckland-based mining company, is planning to extract 9 million cubic meters of sand from the seabed in Bream Bay over the next 35 years. Their proposal includes dredging up to five nights a week, for six hours at a time, with all the sand being sold to Auckland's construction industry.
This operation is expected to generate $270 million in revenue, or approximately $7.7 million annually, for MBL. Meanwhile, Bream Bay will see no benefits—only lasting harm. The dredging will cause irreversible damage to marine life, fish populations, and surf breaks, devastating the local ecosystem.
MBL is seeking consent for this project through the fast-track process, which excludes public consultation. This means we have no say in whether they can take our sand, destroy marine habitats, and damage our seabed.
The proposal will be presented to the government in mid-January 2025. We are at a critical moment.
Take action now — sign and share this petition to protect Bream Bay.
www.endangeredspecies.org.nz...


Sunday prize draw!
Congratulations to the winners of this week's prize draw who will receive a $50 cafe voucher.
The winners are:
Sarah McGarry from Tawa
Jenna Holland from Woolston
Tobias Nash from Northland
Sascha Howie from Tauranga
Get in touch with the Neighbourly team here if you are on this list.
Not a winner? Maybe next week you will be!


Show us your projects
Whether it's craft, haberdashery, woodwork or upcycling, we'd love to see what you've been working on lately.
You may even spark someone else's creativity...
Tell us about your current project or show us a picture in the comments below...


Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?

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36.4% Yes, it serves us well
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62.8% No, I have concerns
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0.8% Other - I'll share below