First-time protesters outraged by a $1.9 million investment by the West Coast Regional Council in a 1080 poison plant, today stood shoulder to shoulder with seasoned protesters, as calls mounted for a rates boycott.
About 170 people picketed outside the regional council office at lunchtime.
Organiser Alan Gurden called for a rates boycott, and also a boycott of companies transporting or spreading 1080, and called for the council's resignation or sacking.
"I'm not just a lone hippy any more," Mr Gurden said, surveying the crowd.
Gillian Newman, Miranda Muir and Anthea Harkerrs, from Blackball, were all protesting for the first time.
They said they were angered the aerial poison drop was near their water supply, and said those responsible "didn't give a damn".
Other first-time protesters included Abigail Bennington, and Tracey Wratt, from Omoto, who said they had "pretty much dropped on our backdoor".
"The council has invested in something that's a conflict of interest."
Others came from Nelson Creek, Marsden, Hokitika and South Westland. There was a mix of people in trades overalls, mums, retirees, and even some children and dogs.
Hunter John Minto said it was "bloody wrong they are using our money to do that sort of thing".
"And they sneaked it through."
Placards included calls for ratepayers to boycott regional council rates, while others suggested a conflict of interest.
Mr Gurden said the turnout helped show the effect 1080 poison had on smaller communities.
Ban 1080 Party candidate Peter Salter said he was investigating starting a petition to replace the regional council with a unitary council. He would only need 10 per cent of the population to sign it to trigger an investigation.
"It's a good cross-section here today," he said.
- Laura Mills of the Greymouth Star
