Investigation launched into alleged illegal mining near Wellington ecosanctuary

Friday 12 September 2025 · 6 outlets · 5 reports · updated Sat 13 Sep 2025, 5:00am

In this story Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Officials are investigating claims of unconsented mining activity in the hills above Wellington. This follows a series of prospecting permit applications for gold exploration near the Zealandia ecosanctuary. One two-year permit was recently granted to a man from Wānaka to prospect in the area.

How they headlined it

13h

Fri 2:13pm3:39pm4:04pmSat 5am

1. Waikato Times via The PostFri 12 Sep 2025, 2:13pm

   Mining permits spark outrage in hills above Wellington (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab)

   • Council probes alleged illegal mining activity in hills above Wellington (opens in new tab) Sat 13 Sep 2025, 5:00am
2. NZ HeraldFri 12 Sep 2025, 2:47pm

   Gold prospecting permit being considered next to Zealandia Ecosanctuary (opens in new tab)

3. Stuff via RNZFri 12 Sep 2025, 3:39pm

   Father-son duo granted Wellington gold panning permit (opens in new tab)

4. RNZFri 12 Sep 2025, 4:04pm

   Gold prospecting permit granted for hills behind Wellington (opens in new tab)