Media coverage

"The panel can only reject applications under strict criteria and the process does not allow for submissions from the general public."

— Whangārei communities rally to oppose fast-track sand mining in Bream Bay
Removing sand would also leave Bream Bay’s coastline – already “absolutely wrecked” during Cyclone Gabrielle – even more vulnerable to storm surges, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion.

— Fast-track legislation stirs up opponents of Northland sand mining plan
The Environment Court found evidence provided by the company about the ecological effects of the mining had been “patchy”, “inconclusive” and even “incorrect” in the past.

— Sand mining company ordered to pay $500k in court costs in Pākiri beach case

Any mining in the bay is "absolutely unacceptable"

Locals fear a fast-tracked sand mining plan will turn Bream Bay’s pristine beaches to mud.

Around 1500 people said "say no" to the fast-track project by McCallum Bros to mine sand from Bream Bay over 35 years.

Bream Bay sand mining protest

The mining company received record legal costs $500,000 by the Environment Court.

Whangārei iwi, Ruakākā community protest sand mining in Bream Bay

“Our view is that there is plenty of consented sand in Auckland between the industry players. More than what is being lost by McCallums’ consent.”

Sand wars: Rejected mining firm says council doesn't understand 'complex' issue

“Fast tracking an application from a company with a history of environmental concerns seems to highlight the absolute risk of fast tracking across the board. I think this absolutely exemplifies why fast tracking is a bad idea when it has this environment component to it.”

RNZ The Panel, Wallace Chapman and panelists David Farrar & Claire Amos 12.2.25

A flotilla of more than 50 watercraft converged from Whangārei Heads to Langs Beach to oppose the proposal to dredge nearly 8.5 million cubic meters of sand over the next 35 years.

Hundreds in Northland protest fast-tracked sand mining operation

A leading economist says the economic benefits from a Northland sand mining proposal are so unclear, he questions how the project was included in fast-track legislation.

Northland sand mining plan under fire for unclear economic benefits

New Zealand's first in-depth aerial sandspit survey has revealed more than 420,000 tonnes of non-replenishing sand has been lost from Mangawhai sand spit.

Mangawhai spit loses massive quantities of sand - aerial survey finds

"The panel can only reject applications under strict criteria and the process does not allow for submissions from the general public."

Removing sand would also leave Bream Bay’s coastline – already “absolutely wrecked” during Cyclone Gabrielle – even more vulnerable to storm surges, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion.

The Environment Court found evidence provided by the company about the ecological effects of the mining had been “patchy”, “inconclusive” and even “incorrect” in the past.