Anti-Bypass protestors threaten major disruption

Anti-Bypass protestors in Wellington yesterday learned that construction companies are reluctant to tender for the Inner-City Bypass Project and reiterated their pledge to cause major disruption to any attempts to begin construction of the project or removal of the heritage buildings.

“Transit should not be surprised that major protest activity is planned. Their failure to consult with affected communities and consider alternatives to this project is well-known.” said Campaign for a Better City spokesperson, Caro Henckels.

“Construction companies stand to lose money on this project and their work will be plagued by disruption” said Ms Henckels.

“The community is mobilising and undergoing training in preparation for the beginning of construction. A prolonged direct action campaign, using sophisticated tactics, with the assistance of qualified trades people, will bring the project to a standstill” said Ms Henckels.

“Ordinary New Zealanders from around the country have expressed their concern at the destruction of the area for a road that will reach capacity in three years. These concerned citizens have committed to joining the Te Aro residents and business people to halt construction of the Bypass.”

“We welcome New Zealand’s commitment to its Pacific Island migrant quota obligations but question the need to bring in 1000 workers for this project. These migrant workers should know that they won’t be gaining valuable road building experience. They will be sitting idle, week after week, as work is brought to a standstill by major protest occupations.”

“Transit’s Chief Executive has said that there is ‘extraordinary risk’ associated with the Bypass project. Our group is determined to ensure that it goes down in history as the most difficult and delayed roading project ever known.”

“Funding a road that will cost at least $40 million for 30 seconds of time savings must be one of the worst decisions that Transfund has ever made. Citizens have the right to defend their community in the face of such a massive error of judgement.”

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>