Margaret Mahy boat unveiled on anniversary of ship bombing

Thursday, 10 July 2014, 10:36 am
Press Release: Greenpeace New Zealand

Greenpeace unveils Margaret Mahy boat on anniversary of ship bombing

10 July, 2014 – Greenpeace is naming a new boat after one of New Zealand’s best known children’s authors, Margaret Mahy, at a ceremony today on the 29th anniversary of the Rainbow Warrior bombing in Auckland harbour.

Supporters and staff will attend the ceremony at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club this afternoon. After paying tribute to Fernando Pereira, who was killed when French agents bombed the Rainbow Warrior in 1985, they will unveil the 7.4 metre Margaret Mahy. However, due to strong winds and rain lashing Auckland the boat’s first public outing will be postponed until next week.

Stephanie Mills, Greenpeace New Zealand Board Chairperson said the much-loved author had a long association with Greenpeace.

“Margaret was a committed supporter for 25 years. As a writer she cast a spell with stories and poems, she weaved words into adventures. We do it with boats. Each time we go out on our boats to challenge an unseen injustice we start to tell the world a new story,” she said.

“The circumstances are always unique but with a shared thread: that there is an alternative and that ordinary people have the power to make amazing changes. The Margaret Mahy will carry the next generation of activists and, through Margaret’s unique spirit, will provide that extra bit of inner strength in those crucial moments.”

Margaret’s daughter Bridget who will attend the ceremony said; “Marg would be really amused to know there was a Greenpeace boat named for her. I cannot wait to see the Margaret Mahy zooming around, creating a not-so-horrendous hullabaloo, on behalf of the New Zealand she loved.”

The Margaret Mahy is the first of three boats purchased by Greenpeace to replace its aging rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) which are used for taking direct action in New Zealand waters. The boats plus trailers and accessories cost a total of $122,000 raised from the sale of its old RIBs and an appeal to Greenpeace members.

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