Meet The Miners
View the latest creation by Patrick Phelps and Greg Stubbing
Membership drive is on!
Minerals West Coast has finalised our membership application form for FY27, and also our goals, objectives and other information. We have been receiving membership applications, and look forward to receiving more. Scroll down for more information.
To existing members, to assist in accurate invoicing, would you please tick or advise the appropriate category in the membership application box and return to info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz
We are inviting expressions of interest 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
Good news for a change
Newsroom has reported the government is going to use resource management reform to get rid of the ban on consenting or reconsenting of low to medium-temperature coal-fired boilers from 2037.
RM Reform Minister Chris Bishop: “The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme is the main tool to reduce net emissions; the Government does not consider councils should be managing emissions locally through the planning system.”
This is a wise move: the resource management system should not be used for climate change policy, because it is appropriately the subject of climate change legislation.
Watch this space: MWC forum 2026
Shantytown: A one-day forum programme followed by dinner. Minerals West Coast trustees are working to create an on-point programme ahead of election day 7 November.
DWC Mining Information Session: NBC Theatre, 23 June, 5pm – 7pm
DWC and the Ministry of Social Development are bringing together mining companies, training providers, employers, and industry leaders from across the Coast.
This is to give locals a chance to learn more about upcoming projects, career pathways, and employment opportunities in the sector.
The NBS Theatre is located at 105 Palmerston Street, Westport.
For more information or to register, contact DWC at: events@dwc.org.nz
‘Are there too many councils on the Coast?’
This is the question the four West Coast councils are asking the community in a public consultation. Surely, one unitary authority would be enough. Consider Auckland Council, which caters to 1.8 million people, or 53 times the population of the West Coast region. We will submit, and encourage West Coasters to make their own submissions. Deadline 6 July 2026
Conservation Amendment Bill
This Bill is aimed mainly at cleaning up the concessions, and statutory land management planning regimes under the Conservation Act 1987, and, importantly, to recognise economic development as a legitimate activity on conservation land – instead of as a barely tolerated pariah. The Bill does not go far enough.
Minerals West Coast is submitting to eliminate the need for any concessions for mining and related activities, including aircraft and drones – should be dealt with via access arrangements.
Parliament’s Environment Committee is receiving submissions until 2 July 2026. We will submit.
Crown Minerals (Prohibition on Mining on Conservation Land) Amendment Bill
Green Party list MP Lan Pham drew this private member’s Bill out of the hat, and it was introduced into Parliament on 21 May. It is on the Parliamentary Order Paper, and will be read a first time, at some point.
It’s a short Bill, and it “prohibits new exploration, prospecting and mining activity on conservation lands and waters. This will better protect landscapes, natural features, indigenous plants and wildlife scientific, cultural and recreational values on public conservation land”.
It is very unlikely this Bill will ever progress to a select committee process. Needless to say, animal pests and weeds are by far the biggest threat to nature conservation in New Zealand.
Revision of ETS settings
The government is consulting on various proposed tweaks to the Emissions Trading Scheme, and has also invited general feedback, which Minerals West Coast will be happy to give. When one considers that New Zealand’s spot NZU price is 5 times that of the global average carbon price, it is time for New Zealand to take stock and overhaul climate change and energy policy settings. Deadline for submissions to MfE is 12 July 2026.
Book launch – women in gold mining
West Coast Launch of Digging Deeper: Women on New Zealand’s Goldfields. Written by Julia Bradshaw and published by Canterbury University Press.
Hokitika’s Regent Theatre: Saturday 18 July, 5:30 pm, a fundraiser for the Theatre .
A fun and informative evening, with a presentation, and book signings by Julia. Also book sales, a raffle, refreshments and drinks.
Housekeeping
Bernie Napp continues to monitor info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz and carry out other admin, policy advice and other tasks while travelling overseas. This is pending the appointment of a manager.
The following to add shortly to the Minerals West Coast website:
Membership information
Contact Us
Minerals West Coast
Email: info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz
Website: www.mineralswestcoast.org.nz
MINERALS WEST COAST
A Strong Voice for the West Coast Minerals Industry
Supporting the future of mining on the West Coast
Mining has helped shape the West Coast for generations and continues to provide jobs, investment and economic opportunity for the region and New Zealand.
Join the organisation working to support a strong, responsible and sustainable minerals industry.
Why Join Minerals West Coast?
Membership connects you with a network of miners, contractors, suppliers and industry professionals working together to strengthen the minerals sector.
Member benefits include:
- Industry representation with local and central government
- Networking with mining professionals and suppliers
- Workshops, seminars and industry forums
- Advocacy on policy, regulation and land access
- Access to industry updates and information
What We Do
Minerals West Coast works on behalf of the minerals sector to:
- Advocate for responsible access to mineral resources
- Promote health and safety best practice
- Encourage environmental stewardship
- Support education, training and employment
- Promote the West Coast’s mineral potential
- Represent the industry in policy and planning discussions
About Us
Minerals West Coast represents the businesses and people working across the minerals sector and advocates for a responsible, sustainable and successful industry.
Together we ensure the minerals industry continues to contribute to the West Coast economy and community.
Who Should Join?
- Mining companies
- Prospectors and explorers
- Contractors and operators
- Equipment suppliers
- Engineers and consultants
- Businesses supporting the minerals industry
If your business is involved in mining on the West Coast, Minerals West Coast is your industry organisation. Join now by following the QR Code below.
MINERALS WEST COAST
Membership Application Form
Thank you for your interest in joining Minerals West Coast.
Please complete the form below and return it to us by email.
Organisation Details
Company / Organisation Name:
Contact Person:
Position / Role:
Business Type:
☐ Mining Company
☐ Exploration Company
☐ Contractor / Operator
☐ Equipment Supplier
☐ Consultant / Engineer
☐ Service Provider
☐ Other:
Contact Information
Postal Address:
Phone: _________________________
Mobile: ___________________________
Email: ____________________________
Membership Category
(Please tick the appropriate category)
☐ Corporate – By negotiation
(10 + employees)
☐ Member Company – $2,500 + GST
(5–10 employees)
☐ Company – $1,000 + GST
(4 or fewer employees)
☐ Associated firms – $1,000 + GST
☐ Individual – $500 + GST
($500 if not GST registered)
Business Description (optional)
Briefly describe your business or services related to the minerals industry.
Declaration
I/We agree with the purpose and objectives of Minerals West Coast and wish to apply for membership.
Name:
Date:
Submit Application
Please return this completed form to:
Minerals West Coast
Email: info@mineralswestcoast.org.nz
Website: www.mineralswestcoast.org.nz