The Mangatangi marae in north Waikato says the granting of a new coal mine on its doorstep adds insult to injury after years of being 'dealt to' by the industries.
Resource consent for the 76-hectare mine was granted to Fonterra subsidiary Glencoal Energy on Wednesday.
Mangatangi marae, which is two kilometres from the new site, says it is disappointed that its cultural concerns were ignored, but says being overlooked is nothing new.
Marae committee chair Warahi Paki says many men died from illnesses caused by mining in the past.
He also says as a child he would swim in the Mangatangi River, which is now a trickle because of a dam.
Mr Paki says the marae has played a significant role for over 60 years and it should not be condemned by think-big operations that may move the economy forward.
Fonterra says it's committed to continuing discussions with the community as it works through the conditions of the consents, which relate to health and the environment.
