the 11th hour, page-9

FWIW, I don't think people movement sways the legal system. The law is sometimes a strange and mysterious thing - the will of the people may influence the making of the law but as to its interpretation...?

Personally, I'm in as of about a week ago - I jumped the gun in respect of my "not until it is fait accompli" declaration. My gut feel has permitted me a small punt at this stage although I'm by no means convinced the appeals battle is over.

How far will F&B go? The battle with Meridian just up the road at the proposed (now cancelled) Mokhinui hydro is a good pointer. They're not quitters, and nor should they be.

The balance appears to have tipped in favour of the mine happening but I think there is a lot of significance in the mitigation vs offsets outcome. F&B have called this as something of a victory in their campaign - bear in mind their battle is not solely for Denniston but for all conservation lands. 22 million spent on possum control in the Kahurangi is a nice (if not somewhat ironic) gesture, but BTU may find a heavier than expected burden of responsibility in terms of the Denniston plateau.

There is a result coming but it still needs some patience...