The spectacle of Government backbencher Nikki Kaye hand-ringing about her party's intention to mine on GBI is just another bit of spin.
She's keeping her Auckland supporters happy by opposing it and no one in her party (least of all Key), takes it seriously when they're cruising along with a majority that allows them to do anything.
Kaye responded to questions about her stance on proposals to mine on GBI if it is removed from Schedule 4, by refusing to comment on her stance if legislation was needed to enable that to happen. Not a very convincing performance.
By all means oppose the proposal to take the GBI land out of Schedule 4 protection too, but it's unlikely to go ahead there because mining is not a permitted activity under the regional plan. A mining company could not even seek a consent without first getting a Private Plan Change. So not impossible, just highly unlikely. Kaye is on safe ground opposing it.
Let's focus our energy on opposing the areas proposed on the Coromandel, and in the Paparoas. Soon to be followed no doubt by larger areas of the Paparaoas and Rakiura NP on Stewart Island.
Step one underway, step two to come.
Thank goodness for environmental Watchdogs !