Sefton Darby

Guest writer

Sefton Darby is a Sydney-based consultant working on public policy, good governance, and community engagement issues. He has previously worked for governments and NGOs on overseas development projects, and has been closely involved in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. He has also previously worked in the mining industry at Waihi, and as the national manager of minerals for the government. His book The Ground Between – Navigating the Oil and Mining Debate in New Zealand is published by Bridget Williams Books.

Shane Jones hearts mining (Photos: NZ First Twitter; additional design Tina Tiller)

Shane Jones’ pro-mining culture war risks destroying the industry he loves

The highly polarised debate he's creating could be a fast track to the end of mining in New Zealand.

By Sefton Darby | 4th June, 2024

Protesters march up Queen St against the government’s decision to open up conservation land for mining on May 1, 2010 (Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Do drilling and digging have a future, or are NZ’s mining days over forever?

As the government announces an end to new extraction on conversation land, Sefton Darby – whose position on the debate has shifted over the years – says the crucial issue is how we decide at all

By Sefton Darby | 14th November, 2017