Critics say the Government is being irresponsible by allowing the possibility of coal mining in what was part of a Central Otago conservation park.
Changes to the boundary of the 65,000 hectare Oteake Conservation Park were announced on Wednesday, meaning 195 hectares of land over the Hawkdun lignite deposit is now excluded.
While the Government says there are no immediate plans to mine the lignite, a soft form of coal, Conservation Minister Tim Groser says Hawkdun could yield enough liquid fuels to provide for New Zealand's transport requirements for up to 20 years.
The Labour Party describes the Government's decision as environmentally irresponsible.
Greenpeace spokesperson Simon Boxer says international climate agreements will stop the use of such fuels, so there is no need to open up more coal deposits.
Central Otago mayor Malcolm Macpherson, who is a geologist, says the area could be mined in such a way that does not disturb the landscape.
