Latest news with #ClimateLiberationAotearoa
RNZ News
18 hours ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Stockton mine protesters 'selfish', 'irrational': Resources Minister Shane Jones
First published on By Sharon Davis* Resources Minister Shane Jones. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii Resources Minister Shane Jones has slammed the two protesters occupying a coal bucket on the aerial ropeway between Stockton and Ngakawau for being selfish and irrational. "I'm horrified that these two saboteurs are not only endangering themselves but impacting the coal mining enterprise," Jones told The News today. "It's incredibly selfish that these people are putting jobs at risk and adding costs to coal operations." The latest protest began on Monday. Yesterday Bathurst Resources announced it was trucking coal from Stockton to Ngakawau because it couldn't use the aerial ropeway. Jones said the fact Bathurst now had to truck coal down the hill meant more emissions. "These protesters are irrational." The protesters wanted to close coal mining in New Zealand, but if that happened coal mining would only increase somewhere else, Jones said. "They want to destroy jobs on the West Coast." But coal-related jobs would increase elsewhere. Two Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters used the aerial rope way down to Ngakawau to access a coal bucket for a sit-in protest. Photo: Supplied Jones said it was important to maintain these jobs and the related export revenue. "I want these industries in New Zealand." He expected to see more protests. "They're going to continually challenge mining. Their agenda is to close them (mines) down. My agenda is to expand them." He drew a parallel between the aerial coal bucket the protesters are occupying and the night carts of old that removed human waste. He wondered what the protesters were doing with their waste. The News understands they are using a composting toilet. Protesters used the aerial ropeway cables as a zip line to access a coal bucket high off the ground. Photo: Supplied Climate Liberation Aotearoa spokesman James Cockle told the newspaper today the protest was still going strong and the protesters were safe and comfortable. "We hope Bathurst will reconsider their fast-track application to mine Denniston," he said. Protester Rach Andrews spoke to The News from a hammock stretched between two coal buckets this afternoon. Rach Andrews on her cellphone in the aerial coal bucket. Photo: Supplied She said a helicopter, not chartered by her group, had flown in to check on them this morning. They were busy drying everything out after the rain and enjoying the sunshine. Andrews said complaining about the carbon emissions from carting coal to Ngakawau was a "bit of a red herring" when the proposed mine on Denniston would produce the equivalent of all New Zealand's emissions for a year. She said any emissions from the extra trucking was insignificant in the grand scheme of things - and Bathurst could stop that at any time by withdrawing its fast-track application. Responding to Jones' allegation that protesters were selfish and irrational, Andrews said mine expansions "for the short-term gain of a few people, at the expense of future generations" was irrational. Ignoring that civilisation was on the brink of collapse from climate change was also irrational, she said. *This story originally appeared in the Westport News.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters hunker down in aerial coal bucket in the rain
First published on By Sharon Davis * Two Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters used the aerial rope way down to Ngakawau to access a coal bucket for a sit-in protest. Photo: Supplied The two climate change activists hunkered down under tarpaulins in an aerial coal bucket at Stockton say they're in good spirits. On Sunday, Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters used the ropeway cable to access a coal bucket in a remote area high off the ground, effectively stopping coal transport from Stockton down to the rail link at Ngakawau. Their aim is to get Bathurst Resources Limited to withdraw a fast-track application to extend its mining operations on the Stockton and Denniston plateaux. Despite persistent rain today, protester Rach Andrews said they had woken up "pretty dry and cozy" this morning and planned to stay "a bit longer". She said they had created a water-tight shelter, and the fact they were not in a huge space helped to keep them warm. They might not be getting the best night's sleep, but they were getting some sleep. Andrews said police negotiators had been in contact with Climate Liberation Aotearoa's police liaison for a few chats, but she had not had personal contact from the police or the mine staff - and the protest was set to continue. "We're not coming down today. While Bathurst continues to endanger the beautiful life on Denniston there's going to be opposition. We're here to show strong opposition." Andrews said they were eating energy bars and delicious homemade dehydrated meals that she had prepared for the protest. She said the mine had sirens going "the entire time" for the April protest but they hadn't been used for this protest yet. She knew she would be facing legal consequences but was not sure exactly what they entailed. She was among nine protesters charged with trespass following the April protest. Seven of them, including Andrews, have pleaded not guilty. Climate protesters should not have to face criminal charges while the government limited the public's right to give input, Andrews said. "If a charge and having to go to court is the consequence - it's worth taking to reduce the harm for future generations and life on the planet." Andrews said the next protest on 8 August would target at least seven ANZ branches. She said ANZ was the last bank in New Zealand with no plan to move away from servicing businesses involved in fossil fuels. Bathurst Resources chief executive Richard Tacon said the company's primary concern was for the safety of the protesters. Bathurst had become aware of people trespassing on Stockton Mine infrastructure at Ngakawau on Monday and notified the police, WorkSafe, and the Department of Conservation as the landowner, Tacon said. The trespassers had entered the mine illegally and might not be aware of the hazards at the mine. "Bathurst is working with police on the next steps to secure as soon as possible the safety of the trespassers. When we have more information, we will provide an update," he said. Bathurst Resources employs about 675 people in New Zealand and operates mines in the Waikato, the West Coast, and Southland. Stockton mine employs about 350 people plus 75 full-time contractors. It produces high-quality metallurgical coal for export to key steel making customers in Japan, India and South Korea. Bathurst is preparing an environmental assessment for the Buller Plateaux Continuation Project, as part of its application under the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024. If approved the project will extend mining operations at the Stockton mine by another 25 years. *This story originally appeared in the Westport News.
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters target Stockton Mine
First published on By Sharon Davis and Ellen Curnow* Protesters used the aerial ropeway cables as a zip line to access a coal bucket high off the ground. Photo: Supplied Climate activists have climbed into a coal bucket on the rope way at Stockton Mine again to protest Bathurst Resources Ltd's fast-track application to extend its mining operations across the Buller plateaux to Denniston. Yesterday afternoon, two Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters clipped themselves to the ropeway cable and used it like a zipline to access a coal bucket in a remote area high off the ground. This follows a larger protest at Stockton and Denniston in April which ended with at least nine people charged with wilful trespass. Protester Rachel Andrews, from Palmerston North, was among those charged with trespass on 21 April. Speaking to The News from a coal bucket this morning she said they had a good supply of water and food and planned to disrupt the transport of coal from Stockton Mine for as long as possible. Their goal was to have Bathurst withdraw its fast-track application to mine 20 million tonnes of coal on the Denniston Plateau. While there are only two protesters in the coal bucket, she said they were supported by a huge group of people who were against the mine and the fast-track process. "There is huge opposition to this mine, even on the West Coast," she said. Andrews said there were several reasons she was personally motivated to participate. One was the legacy she would leave for future generations. She wanted to be able to tell her four grandchildren that she did everything she could to prevent a climate disaster. "We're in a climate emergency,,, people are dying from climate disasters. We can't afford to burn the coal already out of the ground, let alone mining more." Andrews was also unhappy with the "undemocratic process" under the Fast Track Bill. She said it placed the decision-making process in the hands of a few people who had shown that they didn't care about the environment and were proud to support more mines. Protest was the only way for the public to intervene in the fast-track process, she said. "There is no longer any way for members of the public to voice concerns about proposed projects like this coal mine on kiwi habitat. The New Zealand government has effectively forced communities to take actions like this if we want to be heard." Andrews spent part of the April protest in a "nest in one of pylons" and was trespassed from Stockton. She said a lot of thought had gone into planning an action like this. But any consequences would be worth it, to be able to say she had done everything she could to prevent a disaster for future generations. "I don't take the consequences lightly." Andrews said many organisations were committed to stopping fast-tracked mines and were in it for the long haul. "We will continue doing everything we can to oppose Bathurst Resources' proposed mine ... We will not stand idly by and accept this destruction," she said. The International Court of Justice recently said countries must address the "urgent and existential threat" of climate change by curbing emissions and yet New Zealand was encouraging more mines and more drilling for oil and gas. Andrews said the proposed mine on Denniston would generate at least 53 million tonnes of emissions, close to New Zealand's entire net emissions of 59 million tonnes. "We can't afford to keep destroying the planet," she said. Westport sergeant Georgie Were said police would be negotiating with the protesters to get them to come down. She said they were in a remote location which made communication difficult. The News tried unsuccessfully to contact Bathurst Resources Ltd for comment. During a recent panel discussion on how Buller could transition from coal, Bathurst chief executive Richard Tacon acknowledged the right to protest but said climbing into coal buckets was dangerous. The protesters could have accidentally flicked a lever, flipped the bucket and fallen to their deaths, he said. Locals took to Facebook today in support of the mine and local employment, with some suggesting starting the ropeway or enlisting the fire brigade to point a hose at the protesters to get them to come down. *This story originally appeared in the Westport News.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
No Coal From Stockton Mine Today
Press Release – Climate Liberation Aotearoa The International Court of Justice ruled last week that countries must address the 'urgent and existential threat' of climate change by cooperating to curb emissions and yet the Fast-Track Bill is enabling the expansion of the fossil fuel industry Climate activists have climbed and occupied a bucket on the Stockton Mine aerial ropeway, effectively preventing coal from leaving Bathurst Resource's Stockton Mine, the biggest coal mine in New Zealand. The climbers are opposing Bathurst's Fast-Track application to open a 20 million tonne coal mine on the Denniston Plateau that would be the same size as Nelson city. This is the second time this year that protestors have targeted Bathurst Resources regarding the proposed mine expansion on the Denniston Plateau. 'We will continue doing everything we can to oppose Bathurst Resources' proposed mine expansion into the Denniston Plateau. We will not stand idly by and accept this destruction,' says bucket occupier and Climate Liberation Aotearoa spokesperson Rach Andrews. 'This is an ecocidal project that puts foreign profit before life on earth. It is stealing from future generations to profit a few people.' 'The Fast-Track legislation has eroded the democratic process. There is no longer any way for members of the public to voice concerns about proposed projects like this coal mine on kiwi habitat. The New Zealand government has effectively forced communities to take actions like this if we want to be heard.' Bathurst Resources Ltd is the biggest coal operator in New Zealand, with 90% of shareholdings owned by foreign investors. Bathurst's Fast-Track application states that they plan to mine 20 million tonnes of coal over 25 years from the Stockton and Denniston Plateaus to export coking coal to countries like Japan, India and China. [1] This single coal mine would generate at least 53 million tonnes of emissions, close to New Zealand's entire net emissions of 59 million tonnes. [2] This month the Tasman area was flooded multiple times, receiving half a year's rain in two weeks, leaving large areas devastated with damage and loss of property. The expected cost of recovery is in the millions with a predicted sharp increase in the cost of fresh produce nationwide. Christopher Luxon announced they will provide $500,000 towards the clean up when the final cost could be more than a hundred times that. 'Extreme weather events like this will escalate the more the planet warms. We can see this happening in Aotearoa. These floods impact everyday people, where they live and work, while the likes of Richard Tacon, CEO of Bathurst, cares only about making money for himself and his shareholders' said Rach. The International Court of Justice ruled last week that countries must address the 'urgent and existential threat' of climate change by cooperating to curb emissions and yet the Fast-Track Bill is enabling the expansion of the fossil fuel industry in New Zealand. 'We want Bathurst Resources to know that we won't sit back and let this happen – that this is not what New Zealanders want. We urge anyone who wants to protect our wildlife, who has had enough of cleaning up flood damaged property, to join us in stopping this coal mine and other Fast-Track projects.' Notes:
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Event teaches students how to protest
University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic students gather for protest training, organised by Climate Liberation Aotearoa. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Protestors who are not fans of being pepper-sprayed, handcuffed or locked up in a police cell spent two hours learning how to avoid the common commotions on Thursday night. The Protest Skills Night event, organised by Climate Liberation Aotearoa (CLA), was held in the University Students' Association Centre and aimed to show protesters how to demonstrate their points, using "non-violent direct action techniques". Event co-ordinator Cora Scott said many people were passionate about the environment, but might be too scared to voice their concerns at protests because of the unsavory things that sometimes happen. The event aimed to help them avoid those elements, in the hope it would entice more people to get involved in upcoming protest actions. "At the moment, we are trying to get university students upskilled in how to protest, in anticipation of a nationwide action that we've got coming up at ANZ bank. "It is part of our campaign to get ANZ bank to drop Bathurst Resources as a customer. "Bathurst Resources is the company pushing to blast open a 20million-tonne coal mine on the Denniston Plateau," she said. CLA hit the headlines in April this year when six climate activists climbed on to the cable cars used to transport coal from Bathurst Resources' Stockton Mine, halting operations and drawing attention to the company's plan to expand coal mining across the nearby Denniston Plateau. The action followed a five-day protest encampment, involving more than 70 people on the Denniston Plateau, where 10 people were arrested. Miss Scott said the skills night aimed to get as many people as possible to join Climate Liberation Aotearoa in a protest outside the George St branch of ANZ in Dunedin on August 8. "We'll be showing them how to stay calm at protests, and not respond emotionally to high-stress situations — it's a pretty versatile skill set, in my opinion. "The aim is to keep them from being pepper-sprayed or arrested or spending a night in a jail cell. "We'll be talking about how to avoid escalating a situation or getting on the wrong side of the police or other members of the public." It was essentially about dealing with people who might be upset or reacting negatively to their protest actions, she said.
