Last week, some Year 12 Geography students took a day trip to Waihi to investigate the impacts of gold mining in the area. It was very valuable to see first hand the workings of the gold mine and hear about the benefits this industry is providing for the town and country. The focus of the trip was to hear the different perspectives about further expansion of gold mining in the area, so time was also spent with members of the Coromandel Watchdog, local residents, and the Community Forum. 

The students heard various viewpoints and came away with a valuable look at the complexities of this contemporary geographic issue.