Gold Fossicking in New Zealand: Time for the North Island to Get a Fair Go
Nowhere in the North Island is it permitted to fossick for gold without a permit. The entire Coromandel Peninsula — steeped in rich gold mining history — is completely off limits for casual recreational panning or prospecting. This blanket restriction stands in stark contrast to the South Island, where numerous public gold fossicking areas have been designated under the Crown Minerals Act. There, enthusiasts can freely pan, sluice, and use non-motorised hand tools in designated rivers and streams without needing official permission.
The Coromandel’s gold heritage runs deep, from the boom days of the 19th century that shaped towns like Thames and Waihi, to the alluvial deposits still scattered through its waterways. Yet today, families, hobbyists, and tourists in the North Island have no easy, legal outlet for this simple outdoor pursuit. While the South Island offers accessible spots in places like the Aorere River, Lyell Creek, and Central Otago, northerners must navigate permits, landowner permissions, or risk breaking the law. This imbalance feels outdated in a country that celebrates its pioneer spirit and encourages people to get outdoors.
It’s time for this to change. Designating a handful of low-impact public fossicking areas in the North Island, particularly on the Coromandel, could boost local tourism, provide wholesome family activities, and honour our gold rush legacy — all while maintaining strict environmental safeguards like hand-tools-only rules and stream-bed restrictions. With growing interest in recreational prospecting nationwide, opening up responsible access would be a small but meaningful step toward fairness between the islands. Kiwis in the North deserve the same chance to try their luck as those down south.
https://petitions.parliament.nz/dc3f0c50-6aeb-49ab-c6bf-08dea43b6080?lang=en
Sign this and get S.B. near you for an added bonus.
no, dont sign this.
i know mal, hes a fucking leaching twat so i wont support anything that cunt wants.
hes a dumb piece of shit and thinks 0.03% of the population signing a petition will force the govt to do something… yeah, hes a fucking dreamer
But the idea is fine. If enough support it, maybe, just maybe, something might happen
â…– of fuck all have signed it now, doubt many more will.
the dude he dealt with at nzpam couldnt tell him straight out just to fuck off so he sent mal on a side quest for the nz public to tell him to fuck off.
i agree there needs to be a few more spots but reality is anything accessable with a hint of gold is now claimed and the fossicking folk already whinge and cry about no gold so they avoid the more dud spots already… any new areas will be duds.
plus 2k signatures will get absolutely nowhere.
I signed it. So I suppose I am 2/3 of fuck all. Never been called that before. Anyway, if Ed says do something, I generally do. Same with Hunty’s exes.
baaaaah goes the sheep.
hey Ed, tell ROL to go munch out jacinda ardern. test this dumb fucks blind loyalty
I could just as easily tell you to go get fucked by a billy goat. Which has more chance of happening?😇😜
i dont have blind loyalty so i guess ROL will have ardern juice running down his chin
S.B. is going to piss off a few Mussies.
Still more public sites in the South Island if this comes to pass for SB. Was down at Gemstone beach near Invercargill back in May. Saw two different people on quad bikes with sluice boxes on the back, and I don’t think anyone has permits for that spot.
North Island gold has tended to be locked up in quartz, but will still sign the petition. The more spots available to the public the less retarded anti mining thinking would get into the minds of the voters.
not really, it gives them ammo.
photos of irresponsible noobs digging into banks and making a mess.
sure plenty dont but the anti anything folk never show the good responsible ones
Totally agree Brian, have just signed.