Sir Sam Neill says he received violent threats over Central Otago gold mine
Actor Sir Sam Neill says he has been at the end of 'shocking and disturbing' abuse, including threats of physical violence, after speaking out against a proposed large-scale goldmine in Central Otago. Photo / George Heard
Actor Sir Sam Neill says he has been at the end of “shocking and disturbing” abuse, including threats of physical violence, after speaking out against a proposed large-scale goldmine in Central Otago.
Santana Minerals’ Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project, a proposed open-cast mine in the Dunstan Mountains between Bendigo and Ophir, has become one of the most contentious developments in the region in decades.
Supporters argue the project could bring jobs, higher wages and long-term economic activity to a region facing high living costs and limited high-paying employment.
Critics, however, warn of lasting environmental damage and risks to water, landscapes and community wellbeing. Opposition groups say the scale of the open-cast operation could permanently alter Central Otago’s character.
In a video posted to Instagram, Neill said he stood by his opposition to “a big, actually a vast, open-cast goldmine that has proposed to be fast-tracked in my neighbourhood, in central Otago”.
“I stand by those views, and I’m glad I voiced them,” he said.
“What I wasn’t prepared for was the personal abuse I would come in for.”
Neill said the backlash included criticism from Resources Minister Shane Jones.
“And that started with Shane Jones … he chose to make this personal, and I’m baffled as to why he would do that … he’s a guy I don’t understand. Not at all.”
He said some online responses from supporters of the mine had gone further.
“The amount of personal abuse that came in online, all over the shop, was frankly very shocking and disturbing, including threats of physical violence.
“There’s some very unpleasant people among the supporters of this mine. I’m not saying they’re all like that, but boy, there are some loose cannons.”
Neill also criticised a recent column by commentator Damien Grant on Stuff, calling it “extremely personal”.
“He’s another one who doesn’t seem to think I deserve an opinion about anything,” Neill said.
“The fight goes on … and we really need to stop this filthy mine. That will be the end of everything.”
The proposal is currently being assessed through the Government’s fast-track approvals process, with a decision expected by late October.
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.