FMC advocacy helps scale back quarry proposal in South Westland

In a win for UNESCO protection’s integrity and conservation generally, a 15-hectare quarry proposal for old-growth forest in the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area has been significantly reduced.

In 2021, Kokiri Lime Company applied to develop a quarry on stewardship land in South Westland. FMC submitted against the proposal due to its threat to public access, natural quiet, and the ecologically intact forest and, significantly, New Zealand’s commitment to the World Heritage inscription.

Instead of the 15 hectares sought, only one hectare has been approved — a decision reflecting the area’s internationally recognised natural values. World Heritage status comes with an expectation that these values remain protected; if they are compromised, the site risks losing that status.

This outcome shows the power of public advocacy in defending Aotearoa’s wild places.

Photo: South Westland rain forest by Neil Silverwood