Sir Ian Taylor. Photo: Gerard O'Brien (file)Dunedin's Sir Ian Taylor has scrapped a visit to Santana Minerals’ planned goldmine after being "totally blindsided" by the company spreading "misinformation" about him. Sir Ian believed the opinion piece characterised him as "elitist", "loud-mouthed" and "ill-informed". He had tried to engage with and listen to Santana with respect, but this had been "pushed to the limits" by yesterday’s opinion piece, Sir Ian said. Photo: suppliedMr Spring said Sir Ian accepted the company’s invitation "in principle" and, following his return from overseas, they worked through scheduling with his office.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 17, 2026 16:03 UTC