Dozens of protesters are at the station where they have halted the running of a coal train from Bathurst Resources’ Takitimu mine in Southland to Fonterra’s Clandeboye milk processing plant in South Canterbury.
The group, comprising members of Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Environmental Justice Ōtepoti and Extinction Rebellion Ōtepot/Ōtautahi/Invercargill, are protesting against the use of the coal in the factories "to dry milk powder for export", Environmental Justice Ōtepoti member Fiona Clements said.
Around eight people have locked themselves to the tracks, while others are standing or sitting close by. There are some at the rear of the train, where several were atop a wagon. Many have signs or large flags with anti-coal messages or Extinction Rebellion symbols.
An Otago Daily Times staffer at the scene said there were three police officers present. They had asked the protesters to move on, but the protesters had remained where they were and at this stage police were continuing to observe.
"I’m here for these young people right here on the track beside me. It is morally unacceptable to do nothing while their future is flushed down this very [railway] line."
"Takitimu is the waka that brought my tīpuna from Hawaiki, it was turned to stone at Murihiku and now Bathurst desecrates this Whenua daily by carving it out and burning coal in Fonterra’s factories."
- Stopping expansion and protecting Te Whenua from further desecration.
- Implementing a just transition from extractive industry by centring matauranga maori and supporting Tauiwi and Tangata Whenua to thrive with Papatuanuku.
- That the government stop subsidising and investing in extractive industry.
