Santana's planned Central Otago gold mine could be declined approval if it fails to meet Treaty of Waitangi obligations, a lawyer for Ngāi Tahu warns. There may be "inconsistencies arising" with regard to meeting Treaty obligations, she said. An accompanying Ngāi Tahu memorandum also said there could be "potential breaches of Treaty settlements". Ngāi Tahu counsel said it was a "very good question", but the "Treaty was the first step of importance here". Technical reports had subsequently been sent to Ngāi Tahu, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 08, 2026 17:03 UTC