Sir Sam Neill (1947-2026). Renowned actor, Central Otago resident, community man, all-round good bloke, legend.
Our email to our supporters about Sam is below.
If you want to help …
Sam’s team have confirmed that he wanted people to support the causes he felt strongly about. If you feel minded to do so, here are the links:
- Add your voice to Sams – in opposition to Santana’s mine – here.
- If you can contribute to our fighting fund (largely for experts’ and legal fees) – please either go to our Givealittle page or find our bank details on this page.
- There’s plenty more you can do – see here.
Our email to supporters – about Sam
The following email was sent to those who have signed up to the Sustainable Tarras list in opposition to the mine.
Sunday 19th July 2026
A week of loss and reflection
Dear Friends
To say it has been a big week is an understatement.
The loss of Sam has hit us hard. Not because of the voice he was giving to opposition to the mine (which of course we will miss), but because Sam was an incredible person. A gentle, giving, humble, kind person. A man with a very clear set of values. He was one of the best.
As you have probably seen, the outpouring of love, appreciation and thanks to Sam from around the world has been incredible. It speaks volumes. As a film and TV star, he had an impact on so many people. But it seems that everyone he met in person was touched by his humour and compassion. Those who knew him very well say that this was vintage Sam. No fuss. Huge heart.
We can’t imagine how it feels for Sam’s whānau and closest friends to have lost him this week. This includes his closest colleagues – who he treated as family.
Sam felt very strongly about opposing the mine. So whilst we are all feeling glum, when additional support started flooding in to Sustainable Tarras this week, it felt fitting. Sam clearly had much more to do in life – and was looking forward to it – he left us too soon, and would have been annoyed. But we know that he would take some comfort in the ripple effect news of his death has had. In fact, a statement released by his team this week (repeated on Stuff here) encouraged those who could to support the causes closest to Sam’s heart, including Dunstan Hospital and Sustainable Tarras.
To those of you who have signed up and/or donated and/or encouraged others to do so in honour of Sam, thank you. We know times are tough for most. Please know that every ounce of support, and every amount donated, makes a difference. We are truly grateful, and we’ll continue to fight this horrendous fast-track application.
It’s also fitting that on Friday, the Māori word kaitiakitanga was named “the most beautiful word in the world” by language app Babbel (see here). In all our conversations with Sam, kaitiakitanga aligns perfectly with his values about conservation, the environment and doing the right thing by future generations. You only need look at Two Paddocks and his farm to see kaitiakitanga in action.
Now is not the time for us to update you on the fast-track process. We’ll do that next week. This week belongs to Sir Sam Neill and to all who miss him.
Arohanui
The team at Sustainable Tarras
PS We just loved Julian Dennison’s (aka Ricky Baker’s) tribute to Sam – “skuxxest fake uncle” – and the words he shared (here).
Sustainable Tarras 