Fri, 10 Dec 2004

Press Release: Protesters dig coal company's lawn

riday December 10, 10am, Solid Energy offices, Addington, Christchurch

Demonstrators dug up Solid Energy's front lawn today in protest against the planned Happy Valley coal mine. Other protesters, dressed as kiwi, served Solid Energy staff relocation notices.

More than 25 people participated in the action.

In a parody of Solid Energy's plans to mine the West Coast's Happy Valley and relocate threatened indigenous species, kiwi attempted to move Solid Energy staff after "discovering" coal on the premises.

The protest was completed before police arrived.

Spokesperson Claire Dann explains: "Solid Energy plans to destroy over 250 hectares of native habitat and poison the surrounding ecosystem. This is ecoterrorism."

"This is not just a West Coast issue; it's a national and international issue. Climate change is already happening; coal mining must stop now."

A kiwi spokesperson (translated) stated: "You dig our home, we'll dig yours!"

ENDS

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