Yet another, with a $50 donation, wrote: “#SaveItForSam”.
The campaign, run by Sustainable Tarras Incorporated Society, has now raised more than $53,000 from more than 400 donors, exceeding its original $50,000 target.
Sir Sam Neill was a vocal opponent of Santana Minerals’ proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project in Central Otago, describing the planned open-cast mine as a threat to the region he called home. Photo / Simon Williams, Santana Minerals.
The fundraising money is intended to support awareness campaigns and expert advice as the group challenges the proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project, planned by Australian company Santana Minerals in the Dunstan Mountains between Bendigo and Ophir.
A spokesperson from Sustainable Tarras said they were heartened, “but not at all surprised, by the outpouring of affection for Sam since his death was announced on Monday”.
“In the last 36 hours, we’ve seen another surge of people signing up to add their names in opposition alongside Sam’s – many of them leaving messages in Sam’s honour,” the spokesperson said.
“We’ve also had an uptick in donations – again in Sam’s name – from people all around Aotearoa New Zealand. All of those donations will go towards expert analysis of any new information brought to the fast-track process by Santana.
“To those who have joined, donated, and spoken up in Sam’s name: thank you for your support and contributions. Like Sam, we are determined to stop this mine.”
Santana Minerals has been approached for comment.
Neill became one of the most recognisable opponents of the proposed open-cast mine, arguing the development posed a major threat to Central Otago’s landscape, environment and way of life.
Earlier this year, the actor said he stood by his opposition to the project after receiving online abuse, including threats of physical violence.
“I stand by those views, and I’m glad I voiced them. What I wasn’t prepared for was the personal abuse I would come in for,” Neill said.
Neill said the proposed development was “a big, actually a vast, open-cast goldmine” that was being fast-tracked “in my neighbourhood, in central Otago”.
“The fight goes on … and we really need to stop this filthy mine. That will be the end of everything,” he said.
Neill was also among speakers at the Wine NOT Mine fundraising event earlier this year, where more than 150 people gathered to raise money for the opposition campaign.
Sir Sam Neill, known internationally for his role as Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, was a prominent voice opposing the proposed mine.
“Santana’s aggressive and unwelcome plans will be ruinous for our region,” Neill said at the event.
“We don’t want this, and we simply cannot let this happen to our land or our people.”
Supporters of the mine argue the Bendigo-Ophir project could deliver jobs, higher wages and economic activity in a region facing high living costs and limited high-paying employment.
The project is being assessed through the Government’s Fast-track Approvals process.
Opponents argue the scale of the proposed open-cast operation risks permanently altering Central Otago’s landscapes and creating impacts for water, agriculture, tourism and the wider community.
The actor, known internationally for roles in Jurassic Park, The Piano, Peaky Blinders and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, has been remembered as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated performers and a passionate advocate for causes close to his home.
He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.