Robin McNeill writes...

Southland Times - Letters to the Editor

No mining mandate

HOW can Mr Brownlee claim that New Zealanders have given the minerals sector a clear mandate to explore public conservation lands for mining (July 21) when 96 per cent of submissions were against his proposal to allow him to help the Minister of Conservation approve mining access on such such lands?
The only submission reported in the summary of submissions for the Longwoods called for that area to be protected from mining. There were actually more submissions seeking protection for the Longwoods, but the Summary of Submissions doesn't list submissions from individuals (including mine). No-one proposed mining in the Longwoods.
Mr Brownlee, read the writing on the wall. There is no mandate.
Robin McNeill, Invercargill.

And if I could just add,
THERE IS NO MANDATE MR BROWNLEE!