Over the past few days, I’ve been following the discussion around the Gemstone Beach mining permit application (Image A) – both on social media and in news articles (one article published here, the original FB Post here). The back-and-forth has been fascinating, but also troubling as more details about what is actually being proposed come to light. I can’t help but wonder if others are raising the same questions I am.
My good friend and fellow rockhound fossicker JP, author of tumblestoneblog has written an excellent five-part series. He unpacks the application and the responses so far. His blog posts are well worth a read if you want a fuller, well-researched and informative picture:
- Part One: The Application
- Part Two: The Initial Public Reaction
- Part Three: The Applicant Responds
- Part Four: Environment Southland Rules on Removing Stones from Beaches
- Part Five: Replies from NZ Petroleum and Minerals
Numbers & Claims
One of the main claims is that this would be a simple, low-impact activity: “just a man with a bucket.” On the surface that sounds harmless, but the numbers tell a different story. Collecting 2.5 tonnes of stones (the volume stated in the application) works out to around 143 full buckets. Think about a regular bucket holding about 10 litres. Stones are heavier and take up more room. So let’s say that’s roughly 17–20kg each. That to me is a serious amount of material. Hardly the picture of a small-time hobby.
The proposal has also been described as non-commercial, yet the application itself does not appear to have been filed under the “hobby or recreation” category. (See Image B under “Is this application for a hobby or recreational operation?” Mr Reedy’s application states No).
That contradiction alone raises eyebrows. If it’s genuinely just for personal enjoyment, why seek a formal Crown mining permit at all? Fossicking is already something anyone can do at Gemstone Beach without machinery or heavy equipment.
If you look closely at Image B, you can see the question “Is the permit application area intended to exclude all granted permits and existing privileges for the same minerals group?” Mr Reedy’s answer is Yes. That tells me that, if granted, this permit would override the rights of ordinary fossickers and visitors who currently enjoy collecting a few stones for personal use. In effect, it would give one individual exclusive legal rights to the gemstones on Gemstone Beach, shutting out the very public who have always valued and respected this special place.
Then there’s the stated purpose: “using the stones in a concrete floor for a house in Queenstown“. Two and a half tonnes of gemstones for a single floor? That doesn’t sound plausible, and it doesn’t explain why long-term mineral rights would be necessary. Use the same maths as above to calculate the time it would take to collect 2.5 tonnes. That works out to about a week or two of full-time collecting. Or several months of steady collecting if done casually. Is a 10 year permit necessary?
Promises Vs Reality
Public access is another concern. While it’s been said that “no one will be prevented from fossicking“, the reality is more complex. A mining permit gives the holder exclusive rights to the minerals in that area. That changes the dynamic of what has always been a free and open place for locals and visitors to pick up a few special stones. Or, in my case, a local place where I pick up stones for my own tumble and polish hobby. This permit would be in place for 10 years! What damage will a decade of restricted fossicking do to Gemstone Beach’s reputation as a tourism icon in New Zealand and beyond?
Another promise that Mr Reedy has publicly made is the idea of eventually “turning Gemstone Beach into an official public fossicking site — the first of its kind in New Zealand”. Excuse me but isn’t Gemstone Beach exactly that already? His promise sounds nice in theory. However, there’s no guarantee. There is no clarity on who would manage it. And there is no assurance it would align with the community’s values. If granted, the next 10 years of fossicking on Gemstone Beach would be restricted. Many would lose the joy of fossicking. The impact would ripple outward. Orepuki would lose Gemstone Beach’s status as a top tourist destination. Visitor numbers and Southland’s tourism-reliant communities would be affected.
Finally, there’s the question of what happens to the stones once collected. Even if the initial intent is personal use, there are no safeguards preventing sale or export later. One individual gains the benefit, while the entire community bears the loss.
Why This Goes Beyond the Stones
From where I stand, this does not look like a “just a man with a bucket” proposal. It looks like something much larger, with legal, cultural, environmental, and economic consequences that far outweigh any private benefit. It also risks setting a precedent. One that could put other New Zealand beaches at risk of the same kind of extraction and/or restriction.
I do love Gemstone Beach. Its location and the simple magic of finding and taking home a stone or fifty. Selfish and self-serving on my part – yes most definitely. But I know many others feel the same. So I have to ask — is anyone else seeing these red flags?
If you’re concerned about the proposed mining permit, you can do what I and many others have done already. Send an objection to NZPAM. I really have no idea if it will help but doing so certainly won’t hurt!
- Include Application Number: Make sure to include “Objection to application 61382.01” in your subject line
- Write your objection:
- Clearly state your opposition to the application.
- Explain your reasons — whether environmental, cultural, recreational, tourism-related, or community-driven.
- Keep your tone respectful yet firm.
- Include your details: Add your full name and contact information.
- Send your objection to:
Email: [[email protected]] - Deadline: No formal deadline is appearing in public notifications. It’s best to submit your objection as soon as possible to ensure it’s considered.
The views expressed in this post are entirely my own and do not represent the opinions or positions of any organisation, group, or individual. They reflect my personal perspective as a fossicker and blogger.
Post Image: From The Press https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360811168/severe-backlash-follows-mining-permit-application-gemstone-beach
Well written and carefully argued. Well done!
That’s a very well written article.
I really hope it doesn’t go through.