Tide Turning Against Sand Mining Company: Public Pressure and Court Win Mark a New Chapter
- Natalie Jessup
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
A powerful open letter has been sent to McCallum Brothers Ltd, marking a significant moment in the growing national resistance against seabed sand mining along the coastlines of Aotearoa coastlines.
The letter, sent by Bream Bay local Brenda Leeuwenberg and signed by interested parties including tāngata whenua, national NGO's, and local community groups, calls on McCallum Bros to cease its damaging operations in Mangawhai and Pakiri — and withdraw their applications to continue seabed mine these areas and Te Akau Bream Bay, for another 35 years.
It follows a landmark Environment Court ruling earlier this month which ordered McCallum Bros to pay $450,000 in costs to Ngāti Manuhiri, citing failures in their evidence and factual errors in their application.
“This letter speaks for thousands of New Zealanders who are standing up to protect their coasts and communities,” said Natalie Jessup, General Manager of the Endangered Species Foundation.
“After years of legal, environmental and public opposition, this ruling is a sign that change is not only necessary — it’s inevitable. We hope McCallum Bros now takes the chance to exit this process, reset their direction and step away from destructive extraction that has no social license.”
The letter outlines more than a decade of resistance to sand mining, from formal
submissions and Waitangi Tribunal claims to mass rallies and beach protests. It makes clear that the movement is growing — and won’t back down.
Public accountability is increasing. Legal scrutiny is intensifying. And with credible, sustainable alternatives available, the case for continued sand extraction from these sensitive coastal zones is quickly collapsing.
As a live and growing document, the open letter continues to gather signatories. ESF and other supporting organisations will keep the pressure on — in courtrooms, communities, and on the coastlines.
Read the Open Letter here:
