Gold mining set to return to Waikaka after resource consents granted

The Gore District Council and Environment Southland today signed off on resource consents for Waikaka Gold Mines Limited, paving the way for a major gold mining project near the Eastern Southland township.

The joint decision, issued by independent commissioners Dr Ian Boothroyd (Chair), Ros Day‑Cleavin and Stephanie Dijkstra, concludes the mine can proceed under some of the most comprehensive environmental and monitoring conditions ever applied in the District.

Robust process, rigorous scrutiny

The decision follows a detailed, multi‑day hearing process that examined everything from groundwater and flood risk to ecology, landscape effects, cultural values, traffic, and noise. Commissioners considered extensive technical evidence, council planning reports, and submissions from both supporters and opponents.

The verdict: Adverse effects can be managed, and the proposal meets the Resource Management Act’s strict tests for non‑complying activities.

Gore District Mayor Ben Bell welcomed the decision

The proposal has been picked apart from every angle, and rightly so, he said.

“The decision confirms that the effects can be managed and that it meets the legal tests under the Resource Management Act. That gives us confidence this is robust and stands up."

The mayor said there was significant emphasis placed on protecting the Waikaka Stream and Shepherds Creek.

"I am glad to see the conditions around protecting the Waikaka Stream and Shepherds Creek. The mine has to fully rehabilitate any diverted sections and achieve no net loss in ecological value. That's backed up by clear expectations for riparian planting, putting habitat back, maintaining fish passage, and ongoing monitoring to make sure it's actually delivered."

Mr Bell also acknowledged the involvement of mana whenua.

"The Hokonui Rūnanga's input on cultural values, stream rehabilitation, and ongoing engagement has helped shape conditions that respect the relationship with the Waikaka catchment."

Mr Bell also noted the project’s potential community benefits.

"The commissioners rightly focused on environmental and legal requirements foremost, but I was glad to see they also recognised the potential for economic growth, bring jobs and positive flow-on effects for the District."

The mayor thanked the community for its participation.

"I want to acknowledge everyone who put in a submission, whether you supported it or opposed it. Your input helped shape the final conditions and made sure Commissioners heard different perspectives."

What’s been approved

Under the consents, Waikaka Gold Mines Limited can:

• Operate an open‑cut mine across up to 100 hectares
• Mine to depths of up to 50 metres
• Take and use groundwater for dewatering, processing, and dust suppression
• Temporarily divert sections of the Waikaka Stream and Shepherds Creek, then reinstate them
• Discharge treated water in line with strict quality limits
• Rehabilitate land and waterways to equal or better ecological value than their pre‑mining condition

The consents run for 20 years.

High bar for environmental protection

The mine must operate under a suite of detailed management plans, including:

• Stream Diversion & Rehabilitation Plan
• Fish Management Plan
• Acid & Metalliferous Drainage Plan
• Erosion & Sediment Control Plan
• Dust Management PlanRehabilitated stream channels must achieve no net loss — and preferably net gain — in ecological value, with mandatory monitoring of fish, habitat, water quality, and macroinvertebrates. If performance drops, the company must implement additional improvements.

To guarantee that restoration is delivered, the project requires financial bonds covering both land and stream rehabilitation.

Strong cultural involvement

Hokonui Rūnanga has been closely involved in shaping consent conditions, including cultural protocols, riparian planting plans, and ongoing engagement throughout the life of the mine. The Rūnanga confirmed its support after reviewing the final conditions.

Balancing economic and environmental outcomes

While the panel found the economic claims were inconclusive, they acknowledged the local employment and regional economic benefits the mine is expected to generate — alongside environmental enhancements such as improved stream habitat and better flood resilience.

Commitment to rehabilitation

As part of the agreement Waikaka Gold Mines Limited will be required to progressively reinstate land to productive agricultural use and restore stream channels as mining advances. A detailed Closure and Land Rehabilitation Management Plan will guide final landform contouring, planting, and long‑term land use outcomes.

Right of appeal

Waikaka Gold Mines Limited anticipates a mine life of seven to eight years based on the predicted gold processing capacity, although a 20-year resource consent duration is sought with no restriction on the duration of mining within that period.

The Council received 27 submissions: 5 were in opposition, and 22 were in support (two submissions in support are noted to be from the same individual.) Southland Regional Council received 30 submissions: 5 were in opposition, and 25 were in support.

Some of these were later withdrawn so, on 10 November 2025, submissions for GDC totalled 3 in opposition and 22 in support; and for SRC 3 in opposition and 25 in support.

All submitters have 15 working days from receiving notice of the decision to lodge an appeal with the Environment Court.

For decision, please see this link: https://www.goredc.govt.nz/property-rates/planning-resource-consents/resource-consent-decisions