Shane Jones criticises slow fast-track process for Otago gold mine

Wednesday 14 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 14 Oct, 9:00am

In this story NZ First, Shane Jones, Santana Minerals

New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones has criticised the slow progress of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine near Cromwell. During a visit to the site on Tuesday, the Resources Minister described the fast-track approval legislation as a bureaucratic beast.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZWed 14 Oct, 4:50am

   'Constipated bureaucratic beast': Shane Jones says Otago fast-track mine going too slow (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldWed 14 Oct, 6:25am

   Shane Jones says Bendigo-Ophir fast-track gold mine going too slow (opens in new tab)

3. The PostWed 14 Oct, 9:00am

   Before the gold rush: Shane Jones takes dig at mine opponents (opens in new tab)