Mineral exploration and mining in New Zealand has had almost five years of
new legislation. The requirement for different consents is a challenging, time
consuming, expensive exercise but in most cases the new procedure is working,
although the matter of obtaining access to land is still a major issue. Priority
is critical. After lodgment of an application for a minerals permit there are
many other matters to address such as identifying land owners, occupiers and
administrators, preparation of access applications, consultation and preparation
of various resource consent applications.