Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Nuclear Company Lease Black Magic: Insult To NZ
Nuclear Company Lease Black Magic: Insult To NZ Public
17 April, 2002, Auckland: The French nuclear industry group, Areva is leasing New Zealand's 1995 America's Cup boat, "Black Magic" as a promotion tool in its campaign to promote its dirty nuclear business.
"Black Magic" skippered by Sir Peter Blake brought the Cup to NZ after winning the race in San Diego in 1995.
"The leasing of Black Magic is adding insult to injury,” said Greenpeace.
"Its quite unbelievable, first they hijack the race itself to promote one of the most dirty and dangerous businesses on the planet and now they have hijacked Sir Peter's boat to assist in that bid.
"You have to wonder what they are thinking. This is not just any old boat. This is the boat that brought the cup to NZ and skippered by a man who in his later days redirected his sailing to advance the cause of protecting the oceans." "The tragic irony is that the boat is now being used by a company that is involved in polluting the oceans on a daily basis."
Sir Peter Blake gave his support to the nuclear free Tasman flotilla last year when seven boats sailed out to protest a shipment of plutonium fuel that an Areva company was making. He said, "I thoroughly agree with a stand being made to protect the oceans from what will, given time, cause a catastrophe of unheard of proportions."
Greenpeace is opposed to Areva's sponsorship because its subsidiary companies have polluted the seas around France and Moruroa and its activities continue to put the global environment and the health of hundreds of thousands of people at risk. Moreover, the activities and interests of Areva continue to be central to the French nuclear weapons programme.
Areva is the major sponsor of the French entry in the America's Cup sailing race.
Ends
Greenpeace
Greenpeace exists because this fragile earth deserves a voice.
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
