From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 10s
Backroads to the Beehive: No country for coal men
Southland towns face decline as coal industry fades and costs rise.
In brief
Southland towns face decline as coal industry fades and costs rise. Southland's coal towns struggle with population loss, high living costs, and political distrust ahead of election. Originally reported by RNZ.
Coal towns decline
Southland's former coal towns face population loss and economic hardship.
Ōhai's coal history
Ōhai once had over 1000 residents and hundreds of miners but now has about 300 people.
Coal mine closure
Ōhai's last coal mine closed in 2021 after Solid Energy collapsed in 2015.
Land promises broken
Local residents say promised land restoration with pastures and lakes was replaced by pine forests.
“It's just sad. New Zealand's been sold out”
Farming struggles
Farmers face wet weather and high costs as small towns decline.
Rising living costs
Pensioners pay over $4000 annually for rates in rural Southland towns.
Political distrust
Residents blame politicians for neglecting small towns and failing to address economic issues.
“They've got our tax out of us for 50, 60-odd years and now they've just chucked us on the backburner”
Election day near
With Election Day tomorrow, Southland towns face political uncertainty.
Living the dream
Residents say their small towns offer stunning views and a simple life despite economic challenges.
“I'm living the dream”
The essence
Southland's coal towns struggle with population loss, high living costs, and political distrust ahead of election.
