But yeah, this dissuasion was a feature if the previous law change IMO, and this is an incredibly blatant response. I can't imagine they'll be taking proper bonds for reinstatement after, either
This is economic vandalism as well as environmental destruction.
Tourism is such an important part of our economy, and our clean and green image is important for both tourism and exports.
I wondered how much money NZ makes from that massive open cast mine in Waihi and was astonished to find out the answer is nothing. There are no royalties paid, and the town itself has lower median income than other towns in the region.
It's also outright theft. Don't forget that. They want to take your hard earned money and give it to insanely wealthy people, so they can become more insanely wealthy.