20474 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister for Resources

Written Question

Published date: 12 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	20474 (2026)
Question asked:	26 May 2026
Member asking:	Steve Abel
Portfolio:	Minister for Resources
Minister replying:	Hon Shane Jones
Answer received:	08 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_20474_2026
Document guid:	51d79fb2-a415-4a90-bf08-3e7177d418ed

20474 (2026). Steve Abel to the Minister for Resources: What applications, if any, has the Government received for prospecting, exploration, or mining activities within UNESCO World Heritage areas since the withdrawal of the recent West Coast proposal?

Hon Shane Jones: Since the submission of a surrender application for minerals prospecting permit 61322, one application (for a Tier 3 minerals mining permit) has been submitted for an area that overlaps the Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.