Protestors occupy Solid Energy headquarters

Protesting kiwi and their human supporters today will occupy state-owned coal company Solid Energy’s headquarters in Christchurch in opposition to the proposed opencast coal mine at Happy Valley on the West Coast. The protestors intend to camp on Solid Energy’s lawns for the duration of the Environment Court hearings which begin in Christchurch on Monday.

“We have little faith in the Environment Court process. Given this, we believe that it is important for members of the public to act directly to oppose the Happy Valley mine and the destruction of the environment,” stated spokesperson Jonathan Oosterman.

“Coal is a filthy source of energy and a major contributor to climate change. Climate change is a very real cause of destruction and suffering around the world which will only get worse during this century.”

“The government should be actively discouraging coal mining, not making a profit from it.”

The proposed coal mine will destroy the habitat of threatened species such as the great spotted kiwi and Powelliphanta “patrickensis” snails, desolate a thriving wetland and pollute waterways with acid mine drainage.

“It’s outrageous that a state-owned enterprise can get away with proposing a mine that will have such devastating environmental impacts.”

“You occupy our land, we’ll occupy yours!” stated one kiwi.

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