Ok so I thought I’d create a dedicated topic for this issue. I personally think it would be great to add at least another 10 Public fossicking areas to the list. I know some will argue that this will only encourage more people to take up gold prospecting but I think that horse has already bolted as gold reaches $4600 an ounce. Also in this sad arse world of internet and social media I think more kiwis should get out amongst it and have adventures looking for gold!! Especially the younger generation. America has the GPAA group claims and Aussie has the miners right but Public fossicking areas create new campsites and access to gold bearing areas where kiwis can legally prospect for gold… sure it would take some time to establish and would require sustained and concentrated lobbying from the prospecting community but if there is one thing the govt loves to do is to appear to listen to the greater need of wider community! Ideally located existing claims could be turned into PFA’s in time as they come up for renewal as a legacy gesture from existing claim owners.
Arguable this would take some pressure off existing Public fossicking areas and claims alike. What are your thought’s …worth a crack?
Make a public submission from a few thousand people and hand into our mate Shane Jones?.. and I’m only two vodkas in… happy Labour weekend everyone!
Excellent idea. I dont think it would create too many extra fossicers though. Many are happy for a day with the kids at one of the ones already out there.
Trouble is that human greed knows no bounds & there will always be those who will do the mess that some people do at the existing areas. So Why would the powers to be want to open up more areas that will require more DOC staff, or who ever, to police or keep an eye on it. Let alone create more DOC camp ground areas for people to stay at & the maintenance that requires. Hell, the Govt is laying off staff by the train load already.
JW 
Yeah been thinking of opening up the bottom 2k of my claim,very worried about annoying the farmer with bad habits of some people, is there a panning club or something like that ,that could run a bit like that, im not sure on this,i have my nz pam commitments to think of as well
As someone with experience drafting and submitting government legislation, I say it should go a step further and allow hobby prospectors to utilize doc land.
Assuming it is only pans and shovels etc I think any form of prospecting that doesn’t involve heavier mining equipment or the destruction and mining of land without a permit should be allowed.
There would be so little bits of rules and regs to regulate it, but it would be great for the health of the country encouraging people to get out and about, it would create industry and jobs for those who strike it lucky and boost the economy for more transactions taking place for light mining equipment. Some will be pissed of course that it makes it more accessible and I understand that for those who make it their living, but frankly I am an equal opportunist and believe it would be great for families and for young people to get outside and build a work ethic with some reward!
Does anyone have details on exactly what the government is looking at regards easier access for hobby miners. The Grey Star had a recent snippet that minister Jones was looking at it but scant on facts.
Maybe a look at changing rules for existing claim owners to allow for them to open their claim for use to paying customer’s. Create a industry and give claim ownets another option to get a return from their investment. Not sure what that would entail, but may be another option…
Im actually going to go against the grain and say no more public fossicking areas. there’s already plenty and some of them have excellent gold. Yeah some are shit but you’ll still find gold Take for example the Arrow fossicking area - Its very rich can do 1 g of gold in like 3-4 buckets im not sure what more you guys expect.
if all your wanting do do it as a hobby then there is more than enough. If you want more then go get the gorse out of your pockets and put in a claim.
I dont agree that DOC areas should be open slather. It devalues the guys that have stumped up for claims and prove up ground.
Here’s an idea none of you are actually talking about- If your so desperate for some ground why dont you all band together and setup a group claim or claims. The cost is insignificant and because all you want to do is pan and sluice there is no consenting costs. That way you can legally run a high banker. Gives you way more options than non motorized gear not being allowed on the public fossicking areas.
Id hazard a guess its going to be a hell of a lot easier getting a claim than trying to get more public fossicking areas. Work the system to your advantage gentleman instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.
I have to agree Prich.
JW
Some very good points from everyone there … thank you all… I agree I think there is still plenty of gold in the existing fossicking area’s … just got to dig deeper and walk further from the carpark … also leaving an existing hole open so someone else can have a crack with all the hard work already done should be ok … as long as you don’t leave the place looking like down town Bagdad . Would be good to have a couple of fossicking areas here in the North Island …probably never happen as the only real good locations are in the Coromandel which is home to some pretty stornch environmental anti mining groups… and large company’s with exploration permits… they would probably get thrashed as well… Universal miners right does pose a few problems… existing claim owners would not be to happy with joe bloggs coming into their claims claiming miners right especially after all the time and expense of getting permits and consents. There is definitely real opportunity to approach claim owners directly now and ask for access …many people do…
However I think there are certain areas that would be ideal for fossicking areas and wouldn’t take that much effort to setup… at all! . Mal 
As someone that lives four hours away for a public area I would love to see more. That said there are a lot of very good claim owners that allow people like me on there claims. I have a disabled child that loves going to the river with me it’s the only thing that we have found that calms him and can do all day so one near my place would be wonderful. I would happily pay a yearly fee to a claim owner especially if it’s closer to home as I would save it on gas and accommodation. Respect to the people that allow others on your claim and there is all ways a beer in my fridge for them.