Part One in this Series examined the public summary of an Application to mine gemstones from Gemstone Beach. Part Two described the public outcry that resulted. Part Three looked at the Applicant’s response to this public reaction. Part Four identified Environment Southland regulations concerning the removal of stones from beaches. Part Five described the response of NZ Petroleum and Minerals to the public’s emails opposing the Application.
Last night, the following was posted on the Orepuki Pin Board Facebook Group:
It seems that, late in the day, some three months after a lot of negative public reaction, the Applicant has finally decided to avoid further conflict with those who live near Gemstone Beach or who visit it.
Gemstone Beach scenes from the past year on TumbleStone Blog:
Looking across The Stream With No Name when leaving the beach. Pahia Hill in the background.
In front of the carpark at the end of the fossick.
Later in the fossick, looking back towards the carpark. Chrissy is on far left, with the orange backpack, having to leave early.
Looking back after crossing the Taunoa Stream.
A large patch of stones in front of the carpark today.
At Gemstone Beach yesterday, a few people had crossed the Taunoa Stream, walking westwards.
The fossickers down near the Waimeamea River this morning.
My turning around point.
Chrissy fossicking on Gemstone Beach, near the Waimeamea River mouth.
The aircraft overhead.
The horse coming….
Down near the Waimeamea River Lagoon, lots of stones.
Ohla having a sitdown next to me. Gemstone Beach.
Seagulls over the breakers on Gemstone Beach.
Gemstone Beach stones near the Taunoa Stream.
More Gemstone Beach stones.
Author: tumblestoneblog
Retired Academic, male, living in the New Zealand countryside near Whanganui with his wife as well as Jasper the dog, Fluffy the cat, Dancer and Penny, the horses, and a shed half-full of stones. Email john.tumblestone@gmail.com.
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Such awesome news! Next steps trying to somehow get Gemstone Beach declared a designated public fossicking area!
Such awesome news! Next steps trying to somehow get Gemstone Beach declared a designated public fossicking area!