Puhipuhi, is a small Northland settlement situated 20 minutes north of Whangarei. It was first prospected for mercury in 1892.
Although it's mines produced only 15 tonnes of mercury during World War II, the environmental after effects were felt decades after.
Now Puhipuhi's potential gold and silver yields are being touted to mining companies around the world by our Government and local councils. The profits could give this region a much needed economic boost. But as Iulia Leilua discovered, officials have been short on details about the new potential environmental risks for Puhipuhi - and the rest of Northland.