MWC forum 2026: Shantytown: 8-9 October 2026

It’s happening, and Minerals West Coast trustees are putting together a full-day programme and dinner, themed on, “What happens to our raw minerals? – where to from here”

As you know, it’s election year (7 November), and the political opinion polls have been saying for months it will be a close run between the governing coalition and Opposition parties.

We are keen to get MPs and politicians to the event, to engage with the West Coast minerals industry.

There’s a lot for the next government to do: get the policy settings right to support the Minerals Strategy, sort out energy policy, and to improve access to land, among issues of interest and concern.

Several high-profile projects are going through the fast-track approvals process, or have completed, and there are more to begin. New Zealand is facing an energy crisis, and we need the right policies and action for our country’s resilience.

Plenty of angst in the sector amid high commodity prices – see below for a note that we are preparing a briefing to an incoming government.

Minerals West Coast is working closely on forum arrangements with the Shantytown team, and we are also looking for presenters and sponsors.

If interested in presenting, sponsoring and or exhibiting, please contact Minerals West Coast, info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz

Numbers are limited to around 250 people, so if interested, get in quick. We are finalising costs, and will advise attendance fees shortly.

A message from Resources Minister Shane Jones

The government is delivering on the Minerals Strategy, judging from a year-on-year increase in minerals exports from $1.46 billion in 2023 to around $2.5 billion in 2025.

Membership drive

Membership applications and renewals are coming in – thank you to all who have been in contact with Minerals West Coast – and we look forward to receiving more.

To existing members, to assist in accurate invoicing, would you please tick or advise the appropriate category in the membership application box – see Join-donate – Minerals West Coast – and return to info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz

We submitted

  • Are there too many councils on the Coast? – yes, one will do nicely, and while we are at it, let’s trial a one-stop shop for environmental regulation on the Coast
  • Conservation Amendment Bill – no need for mining to face any concessions; the same matters can be dealt with via access arrangements
  • ETS settings – replace the auction scheme with a fixed-price option indexed to the average carbon price of that of our major trading partners, and get rid of the net zero carbon goal because it is unachievable

Expressions of interest are still open for a Manager, Minerals West Coast

Minerals West Coast is the industry body representing the minerals and mining industry on the West Coast. Our membership comprises explorers and miners, in gold, coal and other minerals, and services and support. MWC’s role is to promote and assist the region’s minerals industry.

MWC’s work includes organising and convening the annual MWC forum; as well as policy advocacy on issues of interest and concern to the sector; engagement with regulators and councils; industry networking and working with and hosting relevant MP along with liaising with the national mining advocacy organisation, the New Zealand Minerals Council.

We are looking for a dynamic person to manage the association, represent the collective interests of the West Coast mining and minerals sector – to assist the region’s industry to establish, grow and prosper, and meet its requirements in regulation, including workplace health and safety training.

This is a part-time contract position, averaging three days (20 hours) per week, and is ideally West Coast based. It is currently a sole charge position, reporting to an active group of management trustees of MWC. Desired competencies include:

  • Communications, verbal and written
  • Representation
  • Relationship management.
  • Mining and minerals industry knowledge and networks
  • Understanding of relevant legislation and regulation
  • Self-starter
  • Administration

If you are the type of person who likes to work independently, and promote the interests of a challenging business sector, this could be the opportunity for you.   

For further information: please contact the Minerals West Coast Chair, Brett Cummings, 021 397 766, bart.heads@gmail.com

Expressions of interest: email a cover letter and CV by 31 August 2026 to: info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz

Briefing to an incoming government

Minerals West Coast is working on a tightly worded document for MPs and political parties to present our ideas on how to promote a vibrant minerals sector in New Zealand.

To note

Bernie Napp continues to monitor info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz and carry out other admin, policy advice and other tasks. This is pending the appointment of a manager.