Martha & the community | Wild about Waihi. | Martha Mine's Community Story | Beyond Compliance 2007 (.5MB PDF) | Social Impact Assessment 2006 (5.4MB PDF) | Funding Criteria | APAC Policies | Beyond the Mine 2007 (1.6MB PDF) | Operating Scenarios (PDF)
Introduction
Newmont Waihi Gold strives to conduct mining activities with careful consideration for employees, the community and the environment. Our “Social Licence” or the formal and informal approval the Company requires from stakeholders to conduct business now and in the future is every bit as important as our mining permits. Our employees are an integral part of the community; many were living locally before current operations began. To help achieve and maintain social licence, the Company plays an active role in community affairs.
The town of Waihi developed around the underground Martha Mine in the latter part of the 1800s. This is reflected by the location of the Martha open pit. The close proximity of the commercial area and residential properties has a major influence on the way Newmont Waihi Gold operates.
Communication with the community is an important part of the projects. Community consultation began well before the modern Martha Mine commenced operations. The Company is in regular communication with the local community, tangata whenua, local and regional councils and government departments and agencies. This will continue throughout mining at Favona, during exploration activities and will be ongoing through to closure.
Consultation and Liaison
Newmont Waihi Gold’s liaison officer is often the first point of contact for residents in the Waihi community. The liaison officer informs residents of activities taking place at the mine, responds to complaints or concerns as they arise and liaises between residents, management and staff, regulatory authorities.
To contact the Company Liaison Officer:
Phone: 0800 NEWMONT (0800 639 6668)
Email: donna.fisher@newmont.com
Waihi’s Gold Story - Mine Interpretation Centre
 |
Waihi’s Gold Story provides static and interactive displays and information about all aspects of mining in Waihi – past, present and future.
The centre is downstairs at the Waihi Visitor Centre at the top of Seddon Street – right opposite the iconic Cornish Pumphouse.
Phone: 07 863 8614
Email: doreen.mcleod@newmont.com
left: Four Waihi children greet visitors to 'Waihi's Gold Story' in a lifesize photograph.
Mine Tours
For bookings or enquiries:
Phone: 07 863 9015
Email: bookings@waihi.org.nz
Newmont Waihi Gold Education Centre and Educational Mine Tours
 |
The Education Centre is a purpose-built classroom space where students can participate in a range of activities related to mining, minerals, environmental practices, resource use, land rehabilitation, geology, technology and other aspects of the minerals industry. The Education Officer is available discuss curriculum requirements with teachers with a view to planning activities that will complement and enhance classroom programmes and help to gain the maximum benefit from a field trip.
Guided tours are available as well and help students to gain an overall perspective of mining and its place in New Zealand today. School mine tours depart from the Education Centre and can be timed to fit in with the education programme in the Centre.
For more information contact the Newmont Waihi Gold Education Centre
Phone: 07 863 9880 or 07 863 9774
Email: jeannine.wiki@newmont.com
 |
Left: Newmont Waihi Gold operates, quite literally, in the middle of Waihi. Since it began operations in 1988 the company has become an important part of the community. This aerial photograph was taken in May 2008. |
 |
 |
| Above: Visitors to the Open Days look for that special rock to take home. The eighth Martha Mine open day was held in January 2008. This event raises funds for projects and causes sponsored by the Waihi Lions Club. | Above: Sponsorship of community events is an integral part of Newmont Waihi Gold’s operations. |
To request information about the next open day email our Communication Officer linda.willoughby@newmont.com.
Early Miners' Reunion
Every year the Company hosts a pre-1952 Early Miners' Reunion. Employees of the underground Martha Mine, the Victoria Battery, refinery and students who attended the Waihi School of Mines are invited along with their partners. The old timers look forward to this opportunity to reminisce and renew friendships. Many of them travel from far afield to attend.
Donations, Scholarships and Sponsorships
The Company provides support to many community organisations. To view information about our community investment programme click here
Waihi’s Golden Legacy
As the Martha Mine is winding down operations and heading closer to closure, the Waihi community is considering its future. A range of projects and initiatives are being actively considered. These projects are being driven by the Vision Waihi Trust and Waihi Community Vision.
Waihi Community Vision
Set up in 2003, the WCV is a group comprising representatives from a range of community organisations. Its objective is to implement community projects that will supplant and exceed the contribution to the economic and social fabric of Waihi that is currently provided by the mine. The WCV operates through an independent facilitator, funded by Newmont. WCV has worked collectively to produce the 2020 Vision for Waihi. This provides a solid foundation for the development of projects and positive outcomes for future generations. WCV formed the Vision Waihi Trust (VWT) to investigate and, where viable, implement projects that will contribute to Waihi’s sustainable future.
Closure Planning
Closure of the Martha Mine open pit will occur when mining and rehabilitation are complete. After that a post-closure period will allow for the transformation of open pit to recreational lake and eventual transfer to a charitable trust, which will assume management of the area.
Upon completion of all mining activities the Trust will take title to the land on which the tailings storage facilities and water treatment plant stand and also the park adjacent to the lake where the open pit operated. The Trust will manage, monitor and maintain these areas in perpetuity. A fund provided by the Company to the Trust will generate an ongoing income to allow the Trust to carry out its responsibilities and provide the necessary insurance cover.
At Favona, stopes and tunnels will be backfilled as mining progresses from the deepest part of the mining operation to the surface. When mining is complete all disturbed areas will be rehabilitated with pasture and plantings.
The company and the community work together on closure planning to ensure the best possible outcome for the town.
 |
The Cornish Pumphouse
In its new location, after the completion of the Cornish Pumphouse relocation project during 2007, the well-known building regained its place as a unique local icon and makes a bold statement about Waihi’s mining heritage and identity.
For more information about the Cornish Pumphouse click here
The building was regarded as a catalyst for change as the Waihi Community Vision’s ‘2020 Vision’ came to life and it was the springboard for the town’s re-branding as ‘Waihi – New Zealand’s Heart of Gold'.
For more information about Waihi’s vision for the future contact Vision Waihi Trust CEO Eddie Morrow.
Phone: 07 863 3427
Email: vwt@waihi.org.nz
Gilmour Lake
To replace a lake that had formed over part of the early mine workings on Martha Hill, Gilmour Lake and reserve was developed by Newmont Waihi Gold and handed over to the Hauraki District Council in January 1993.
below: Gilmour Lake at dawn.
[ RETURN TO TOP ]