Photo: Google MapsA Southland gold mine that could produce more than $50 million of the precious metal a year has been given the go-ahead. Waikaka Gold Mines Ltd has received consent from the Gore District Council and Environment Southland to operate a mine near Waikaka, about 20km north of Gore. Four sections of the Waikaka Stream and Shepherds Creek will be diverted temporarily, before being returned to their current alignment. Consent conditions include that the working area of the mine not be any bigger than 20ha at any one time and that the total area not exceed 100ha or 50m deep. That gives us confidence this is robust and stands up.’’Significant emphasis was placed on protecting the Waikaka Stream and Shepherds Creek.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 02, 2026 16:00 UTC