Organisers have been “overwhelmed” by the support shown at a fundraising lunch in aid of the fight against Santana Minerals\u2019 Bendigo gold mine plans, they say.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It was supported by 12\u00a0local wineries and local personalities Sir Sam Neill and Sir Grahame Sydney.<\/p>\n
Sustainable Tarras chairwoman Suze Keith said the group was “overwhelmed” by the extent of the support from the community.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s consent fast-track process.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Guests ate a four-course meal featuring a menu made up entirely of food sourced from Otago.<\/p>\n
Ms Keith said it was clear there was a strong, growing and broad level of opposition to the mine.<\/p>\n
“That\u2019s why today [Saturday] was all about celebrating what we have here locally in Central Otago, and why we should protect it.”<\/p>\n
The group planned more fundraising efforts.<\/p>\n
Both Sir Sam and Sir Grahame gave speeches expressing their staunch opposition to the mine proposal.<\/p>\n
Sir Sam said he believed Santana\u2019s plans would be ruinous for the region, while Sir Grahame labelled them “madness”.<\/p>\n