Ruakākā, Northland – Hundreds of locals gathered today at Ruakākā in Bream Bay to oppose McCallum Bros' fast-tracked consent application to mine 8.5 million cubic metres of sand over 35 years. From local hapū to residents from Whangārei to Langs Beach, communities united in a resounding rejection of sandmining in their treasured moana.
“We’ve got everything to lose,” said Emma Hart, a Langs Beach resident and advocate with Stop Sand Mining Bream Bay. “If this goes ahead, we risk destroying our marine ecosystem, local livelihoods, and the natural beauty that makes this place so special.”
A Fragile Ecosystem at Stake
The proposed sandmining site lies offshore from some of Northland’s most pristine beaches, including Waipū, Uretiti, and Ruakākā. Environmentalists and community leaders warn of devastating consequences if the project proceeds.
“Sandmining creates massive plumes of sediment, dead zones on the seabed, and the destruction of fishing grounds,” explains Natalie Jessup, General Manager of Tāngaro Tuia te Ora, the Endangered Species Foundation. “This area is home to taonga species like the critically endangered tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern) and even the Hawksbill turtle, which was recently spotted here.”
Marine scientists have highlighted the ecological importance of Bream Bay as a habitat for fish, seabirds, and crustaceans. Local fishers have expressed concern about the potential collapse of kaimoana stocks, which many families rely on for sustenance and livelihood.
Fast-Track Legislation Under Fire
McCallum Bros' application is the latest test of New Zealand’s controversial fast-track consenting process, introduced to accelerate infrastructure projects. This process prioritises short-term economic gains over environmental and community wellbeing and offers no avenues for formal feedback from the communities.
“This legislation allows developers to bypass thorough public consultation and environmental safeguards,” said Jessup. “Our communites are being sidelined in decisions about our own country and the places we love.”
Pictured: McCallum Bros sandmining dredge and the effects of sediment plumes on wildlife.
Alternatives Are Available
While the construction industry stresses the need for sand to address Auckland’s rapid growth, opponents point to sustainable alternatives. Companies like Kaya Sands are innovating with concrete substitutes made from quarry waste, which could provide jobs in Te Taitokerau Northland without risking the marine environment. Kaipara Ltd, a NZ quarry business, are also going to make their own sand and solidify concrete supply.
"Sandmining isn’t wanted or needed,” says Jessup. “There are better, more sustainable options that don’t put our ecosystems at risk.”
A Call for Leadership
Communities are urging decision-makers, including Northland Regional Council, Whangārei District Council, and Members of Parliament like Dr. Shane Reti, Shane Jones and Grant McCallum, to listen to the voices of their communities.
“The ocean is our pātaka – our pantry. It’s not just a resource; it’s a source of life, identity, and connection, for locals and visitors alike” says Jessup. “We love our beaches and our moana, and we will not let them be destroyed.”
What You Can Do
Sign the Petition
Email Decision Makers
Contact politicians and councillors from the list below to raise your concerns and force them to address any unanswered questions. Unanswered questions so far include;
what alternatives to marine sand mining have been explored?
what is the real extent of environmental damage caused by sand mining?
what are the economic benefits for Northland?
the Government Advisory Group rated this project a Low Priority. Yet it was selected to be one of the 149 successful projects. Why?
Members of Parliament
Shane Reti MP for Whangarei s.reti@ministers.govt.nz
Grant McCallum MP for Northland Grant.McCallum@parliament.govt.nz
Shane Jones NZ First list MP , Minister for Regional Development, Fisheries, Resources (a strong supporter of the sand mining fast track application) s.jones@ministers.govt.nz
Huhana Lyndon Green list MP Huhana.Lyndon@parliament.govt.nz
Mariameno Kapa-Kingi MP for Te Tai Tokerau, Te Pāti Māori Mariameno.Kapa-Kingi@parliament.govt.nz
Willow-Jean Prime Labour list MP Willow-Jean.Prime@parliament.govt.nz
Mark Cameron ACT list MP Mark.Cameron@parliament.govt.nz
Elected Members of Northland Regional Council – NRC will issue the permit to allow the sand mining to go ahead
Chair Geoff Crawford geoff.crawford@nrc.govt.nz
Councillor Amy Macdonald (Coastal Central General) amym@nrc.govt.nz
Councillor Rick Stolwerk (Coastal South General) ricks@nrc.govt.nz
Elected Members of the Whangarei District Council
Make a Donation
All donations go directly to advocating for better protections and restoration work for our most endangered species.
