Boxing Day Demo: Norway's Statoil unwelcome in Northland

Media Release 25 December

Boxing Day demonstration declares Norwegian oil giant Statoil unwelcome in Northland

#StopStatOil@Whangarei, a newly formed protest group, is hitting the main highway north on Boxing Day, as major traffic flows head towards holiday destinations, and local traffic moves towards shopping sales.

They are taking the opportunity to make Northlanders and visitors aware of Government and oil corporation intentions to use seismic testing and other methods to extract oil offshore, with the risk of high impact on marine mammals and the marine and coastal environment. Neither, they say, would New Plymouth-serviced rigs and central Government royalties benefit Northlanders.

They also wish to make it known publicly that these government-driven moves are not supported by many Tangata Whenua and local communities. They will meet with strong resistance, showing StatOil that they are not welcome in Te Taitokerau.

The demonstration - framed as an educational picket of State Highway 1 - will be in place at Tarewa Park (between the Information Centre and the Maunu Rd lights) before 11am on friday 26th.

ENDS

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