Shane Jones to engage with Bendigo mine debate and mayoral tour (including pub lunch)

We asked this morning what the status of the two challenges was - this was the reply:

“Minister Jones has accepted both invitations. He is very much looking forward to both.

“Timing is yet to be determined given the Minister has a very full schedule.”

The challenge from Mayor Alley was made on January 21 - but up until today she had received no reply.

Minister Jones has challenged Sir Ian Taylor, a strong mine critic, to debate the merits of the $4.5 billion Bendigo mine project.

"If Ian Taylor wants a debate, I will debate with him or anyone else on the South Island at a location of their choosing," Mr Jones told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.

Sir Ian thanked Mr Jones for the opportunity, suggesting they use his company’s technology “to livestream our korero to the world”.

“After all, the world has picked up on his ‘drill baby drill’ message, so I am sure they would be interested to see how he sees that sitting alongside our 100% Pure NZ brand.

“Let’s set the date e hoa.”

Sir Ian last month penned opinion pieces to both RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and New Zealand Minerals Council chief executive Josie Vidal — inviting the latter to a debate — raising concerns about the Australian mining company’s Bendigo-Ophir gold project.

Crux will carry full coverage of both the debate and district tour - including the pub lunch.