Protest worries Jaffa charities

The two charities that will benefit from today's Cadbury Jaffa Race in Northeast Valley, Dunedin, are unhappy the event is to be the target of a protest.

A newly-formed Dunedin group, Anti Palm-oil Enterprise, plans to attend the jaffa race to draw attention to Cadbury's use of palm oil in its dairy milk chocolate.

Taieri Parents Centre president Judy Baines was concerned at the presence of protesters at an event to benefit children.

"It would be disappointing to see this overshadowed by the planned protest action."

The event, at 12.30pm today, involves the release of 30,000 jaffas from the top of Baldwin St - the world's steepest street.

The public is able to buy tickets for jaffas and the proceeds go to charities.

Ms Baines said being one of the major charities was a "fantastic" way of raising money to help support its 50 parent centres around the country.

"In these uncertain fiscal times, these services to the young children and parents in our communities is paramount."

Ms Baines said Taieri centre volunteers had put in a "huge number" of hours over six months in preparation for the Baldwin St event.

"Congratulations to Cadbury and their hard-working team, who have helped us to be involved in this great opportunity."

Malcam Trust founder Malcolm Cameron was also concerned about the protest.

"I just don't want it to interfere in what is a fun day for children . . . I'm just saying that, hopefully, they can leave it clear for the youngsters."

Asked if he had any view on Cadbury's use of palm oil, Mr Cameron said he was "not up with the play" on that issue and would prefer to leave comment to Cadbury.

Protest organiser Judith Curran said again yesterday the group had "no intention" of disrupting the event.

Ms Curran's group claims Cadbury's use of palm oil is contributing to the deforestation of orang-utan habitat on the island of Borneo.

Cadbury claims the palm oil it uses comes from sustainable plantations.

mark.price@odt.co.nz