15 January 2008
Beached whales pile-up in Green campaign

Green Party Conservation Spokesperson Metiria Turei is delighted New Zealanders right around the country are getting involved in the Green Party Sand Whale Sculpture Challenge.

So far 10 whales, some involving more than 50 people, have appeared on beaches throughout New Zealand, from Tapuaetahi in the Far North, to the Invercargill coast in the deep south.

"These sand whales are a tribute to the connection New Zealanders from all walks of life have with the ocean, and the respect we share for its wonderful creatures," Mrs Turei says.

"It's great to see New Zealanders, young and old, having fun with friends and family at the beach and seizing the opportunity to demonstrate what they think of the Japanese Government's barbaric whale hunt."

"Scenes of slaughtered whales being hauled onto the Japanese ships leave many people feeling powerless and distressed. So this year we are going to send a message to the Japanese government - 'we want to see whales in the sea, not on the menu'.

"I expect many more sand whale photos will be sent in, as the weather improves, and people take advantage of the remainder of summer.

"I encourage all New Zealanders to build their own sand whale sculpture on a beach this summer, take a picture of it with their friends and family, and email it to the Green Party Parliamentary Office at whales[at]greens.org.nz. At the end of summer we will compile all the pictures into a book and send it to the Japanese Fisheries Minister and to Japanese media," Mrs Turei says.

All the sand-whales can be viewed at www.greens.org.nz/campaigns/conservation/whaling.htm

ENDS

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