1991 Covenant

Brief History

In 1985 Fulton Hogan had plans to mine the centre of the Blackhead headland site to 50 metres below sea level and then blast an opening into the ocean creating a safe boat harbour. Destroying the headland completely.
The Friends of Blackhead achieved with negotiations with the Department of Conservation and Fulton Hogan the placement of a Covenant over an area of the headland in 1991 to stop the quarry spill destroying the rare basalt rock formations, the Roman Baths and Dock.

A condition of the covenant was that the rubble covering the rock formations was cleared away, and further spill be redirected away from the protected covenant areas. After 18 years, this has not been carried out.

To ensure the covenant conditions are fulfilled a public campaign has been launched to rally support through the reformation of the Friends of Blackhead, and to negotiate again with Blackhead Quarries and DOC to restore the headland treasures for the public to once again enjoy.

1991 Covenant

In 1985 Fulton Hogan had plans to mine the centre of the headland quarry site to 50 metres below sea level and then blast an opening into the ocean creating a safe boat harbour. In fact their ultimate plan was to mine a huge bowl, 50 ft below sea level with and 8- 10 ft wall around the perimeter which would act as a break water. Then on the north east side to cut an entrance that would flood the bowl so it could be used as a boat anchorage.

Eventually through negotiations with the group ‘Friends of Blackhead’ a covenant was drawn up with the Department of Conservation in 1991 to protect the outer rock formations, including the Roman Baths and the Dock.

This is why the large prominence remains untouched at the end of the headland, so spill does not fall down the slopes to the sea and ruin the protected rock formations.