A pit at Foulden Maar, near Middlemarch. Photo: Gregor RichardsonThe Dunedin City Council is moving to buy the Foulden Maar site near Middlemarch, it has been confirmed. Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins said Foulden Maar was rich in biodiversity, essential for conservation and will allow scientists to better understand the history of life, southern hemisphere biogeography and climate change. "For these reasons, its important we act to preserve this very special place and prevent any mining taking place.'' If the parties could not agree on a price, one would be determined by the Land Valuation Tribunal, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 04, 2019 02:48 UTC