PHOTO: GETTY IMAGESFormer prime minister Helen Clark has weighed in on Santana Minerals’ proposed fast-track gold mine, saying she is "deeply concerned" about the project. She singled out Santana Minerals, whose Bendigo-Ophir gold project was proposed in what she described as a pristine area of New Zealand. "I am deeply concerned about what I’m seeing and hearing from Central Otago about the fast-track Bendigo-Ophir mine and the likelihood of even more mines following it," Miss Clark said. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONResources Minister Shane Jones said Miss Clark had very strong opinions — whether that be on foreign affairs or minerals policy. He encouraged everyone, Miss Clark included, to have more confidence in New Zealand industry and to bear in mind New Zealanders owned stakes in companies such as Santana Minerals.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 23, 2026 17:48 UTC