Labour Party supports seabed mining ban in New Zealand

The New Zealand Labour Party has announced its support for a ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa, joining Te Pāti Māori, the Greens, and Opportunity in advocating for the prohibition.

Rachel Boyack, Labour’s oceans and fisheries spokesperson, confirmed the party's position and stated it would seek to amend necessary legislation, including the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act. The party also intends to amend replacements for the Resource Management Act and fast-track legislation to strengthen environmental protections.

Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM) described the move as a “significant breakthrough” following over a decade of opposition from iwi, hapū, and coastal communities, particularly in areas like Taranaki and the Chatham Islands. However, KASM noted that Labour’s current policy excludes sand dredging, a limitation they described as disappointing given existing threats to areas such as Bream Bay.