An environmental group has started a grassroots campaign against the mining of ironsands off the west coast of the North Island.
Kiwis Against Seabed Mining held a public meeting in Muriwai, west of Auckland, on Wednesday to inform residents of mining companies' plans.
Speakers from the group told an audience of about 80 that companies were actively exploring west coast waters for ironsand.
They also said most of the sand is dumped back on the seafloor once the iron is extracted.
The group is trying to raise awareness of the activity and encourage communities to oppose mining resource consents when applications are made.
