The OraTaiao submission on the Mangatawhiri coal mine resource consent application states:
OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council oppose the entire application. Our opposition to the application is on the basis of:
1. Direct effects of coal on health and wellbeing of miners, mining communities, and communities in proximity to sites of coal combustion.
2. Indirect effects of coal on health and wellbeing via climate change.
OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate and Health Council, together with other international health bodies, recognise the adverse health impacts of the coal industry. Close to home, a recent roundtable discussion held in Australia (February 2013) involving five national health authorities highlighted the adverse health impacts associated with mineral energy - particularly coal. http://www.phaa.net.au/documents/130213Media%20Release_Health%20and%20Energy%20Roundtable%20Statement_Final_130213.pdf
Read full submission here.