Organisers have been “overwhelmed” by the support shown at a fundraising lunch in aid of the fight against Santana Minerals’ Bendigo gold mine plans, they say.
More than 150 people attended the Wine Not Mine event, held at The Canyon, in the Dunstan Mountains, close to the proposed mine site on Saturday.
It was supported by 12 local wineries and local personalities Sir Sam Neill and Sir Grahame Sydney.
Sustainable Tarras chairwoman Suze Keith said the group was “overwhelmed” by the extent of the support from the community.
Funds raised were “well beyond expectations” and would provide the group with a significant boost towards covering fees and legal support costs for submissions on the mine’s consent fast-track process.
Sustainable Tarras did not respond to a request for how much specifically was raised but said in a statement money was raised via ticket sales ($450 each), wine sales, an art sale and private donations leading up to the event.
Guests ate a four-course meal featuring a menu made up entirely of food sourced from Otago.
Ms Keith said it was clear there was a strong, growing and broad level of opposition to the mine.
“That’s why today [Saturday] was all about celebrating what we have here locally in Central Otago, and why we should protect it.”
The group planned more fundraising efforts.
Both Sir Sam and Sir Grahame gave speeches expressing their staunch opposition to the mine proposal.
Sir Sam said he believed Santana’s plans would be ruinous for the region, while Sir Grahame labelled them “madness”.