Community group Protect Karangahake say their concerns about potential damage caused by mining activities in the gorge is shared by ecologists.

The group lodged an appeal with the Auckland High Court action to challenge the resource consent granted to New Talisman Gold Mines earlier this week.

Ecologists are entering the fray around planned mining activities in the Karangahake Gorge. Photo: File

The group say ecologists view the Karangahake Gorge as a vital ecological bridge between the Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges for species of significance, like the very rare Hochsetter's frog.

Zoology Professor Phil Bishop is surprised the Department of Conservation has given permission to mine a place that might be the habitat of rare frog species.

'It's very likely to be detrimental to the frogs,” says Phil.

'If you have mining in an area it's going to have a dramatic effect on all kinds of things, such as ecosystem services and hydrology – things that play an integral role in our everyday lives.

'Conservation and mining are two incompatible processes."

Protect Karangahake spokesperson Duncan Shearer says taking court action is an expensive but necessary step to protect the Karangahake Gorge.

The group is in it for the long haul and they want to see an end to mining in Mt Karangahake, says Duncan.

'Although funding a court case like this isn't cheap or easy, it's important enough for our community to come together for as long as it takes.”

Duncan is adamant the Hauraki District Council has not consulted local residents, some of whose businesses relied on tourism in the area.

He believes the Hauraki District Council has lost touch with issues vital to the wellbeing of the region.

'To allow mining to proceed with no input or consultation from the people who will be most affected, to threaten the water supply of Paeroa and to risk ecological damage without notification is hugely unjust.”

The Karangahake Gorge has twice won the international Green Flag award - one of only two places in New Zealand to have done so - for its conservation and recreational values.

An estimated 80,000 people visit the gorge each year to cycle, walk, rock climb or swim in the rivers.

The first court date for the group's appeal has been set down at the Auckland High Court on March 5, from 9am.