Government's plans to investigate the validity of opening some of New Zealand's conservation land for the purposes of mining has drawn criticism from all around the country.
The criticism has come from more than just the expected Green Party and environmental advocacy groups, but has caused divides in the National Party's caucus also.

SunLive asked these people and more about their views on mining conservation land.

National's Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye has broken ranks and has outwardly spoken about how Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel should not be mined.
The debate on this topic is steady throughout the country so SunLive went to Red Square to find out what some Tauranga peoples' opinions are.

"I come from a conservation land back home and so wouldn't feel too happy about it."
Isaac Oliver, Tauranga

"It is not black and white, in my mind we want all the good things and we have no money and have to get the money from somewhere so sadly I can understand their point of view."
Sally Morrison, Tauranga

"It is a bit frightening as we are a tourist nation and I don't want to see anything spoiled or the landscape destroyed."
Louise Mounsey, Tauranga

"I didn't know about that, but I guess that is bad, they shouldn't do it."
Lewis Jones, Te Puke

"New Zealand will never grow if we don't use what we have got naturally. I can understand people wanting to look after the environment but New Zealanders talk about how they want to be more like Australia but we never will be unless we have more money coming into the country to grow. I think there has to be a happy medium, mining is good as long as they do it properly and safely."
Lisa Shea, Mt Maunganui