Catherine Delahunty and Josie Vida: Coromandel Watchdog chair and Straterra CEO on the pros and cons of the Government's mining strategy

The Government has recently unveiled its future plan for mining with the release of the minerals strategy and critical minerals list - with the goal of doubling the country's mining exports by 2035. This development has been well-received by industry experts, but environmental groups have voiced their concerns. Straterra CEO Josie Vida says this development sends positive signals to the rest of the world that New Zealand is committed to mining - which is good news for the economy. "It matters to the outsiders looking in - mining's a very expensive business and the people who want to invest in it want to see an enabling environment across policy and law." Coromandel Watchdog chair Catherine Delahunty says this seems like good news for offshore investors - but it isn't good for Kiwi communities. "Investors, sure, they come and take and the gold goes offshore and it's processed offshore and the profits go offshore. So our communities are far from convinced by the mineral strategy." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.