Bathurst Worker Hints at Vigilante Violence, followed by gunshots fired as ‘Save Denniston Plateau’ activists reach 200 hours milestone hanging in coal buckets.

Early on the morning of Monday 4th August Climate Liberation Aotearoa (CLA) received a message from a worker at Bathurst resources containing threatening language defending the use of vigilante violence against protesters:

“Angry, upset locals have been busy collecting information on you, your organisation and on those within our community that may have assisted you in your recent industrial sabotage. I would strongly suggest that it would not be very wise for any of you to be seen within our district over the next few months, years, or if ever at all.”

“...there are some people that are prepared to cause harm to those who are responsible for these actions. You all need to learn that actions have consequences and that your organisation has crossed the line of no return in the Buller.”

Following this, at 2:30pm on Tuesday August the 5th, three shots were fired into the air from the aerial ropeway tower to the north of the climbers. The person the two climbers believed to have discharged the firearm was wearing high viz clothing and is presumed to be a Bathurst employee. This information has been passed on to the police[1] who are following up the reports with Bathurst.

“Those shots were let off to scare us. If Bathurst are responding to peaceful protest with threats of violence, this movement must be having an impact.” Says coal bucket occupier Rach Andrews.

“People are already losing their homes and loved ones in the climate crisis. This is what is at stake, in Aotearoa and all around the world. Bathurst are willing to put lives at risk every day by fueling this deadly climate emergency. That’s why we’re here, and threats won’t be enough to bring us down.” Says Rach.

“We won’t let them intimidate us into accepting the destruction of the climate and wild places.”

A shotgun was let off again this morning from the same place with over 30 shots fired. Locals supportive of the protest have condemned Bathurst’s actions.

“Threats and intimidation are how Bathurst silences opposition in the local community, it’s truly appalling.” Says West coast local Suzanne Hills.

“This is the kind of company Luxon’s government is dismantling the democratic process for with the Fast Track legislation. When you fast-track environmental destruction, of course people are going to rise up to defend the places we care about.” Says Suzanne.

Now on their tenth day occupying a coal bucket on the aerial ropeway from Stockton mine to Ngakawau, Climate Liberation Aotearoa supporters Rach and Tāmati report they are safe and well in spite of the intimidating behavior.

The pair say they are ready to leave if Bathurst Resources CEO Richard Tacon announces that they will abandon their fast track application to extend Stockton mine into the Denniston Plateau.

“We want to see the treasured Denniston Plateau permanently protected from coal mining destruction so we never have to camp out in a coal bucket fighting for this special place again.” Says Rach.

Note:

[1] Police case number for threatening language reported on Tuesday 5 August 250805/5882

Police case number for gunshots reported on Wednesday 6 August OR-212038N

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