Climate Change Relay crosses Canterbury

Community action versus global warming, New Zealand-wide

Media Release:
Rik Tindall, Canterbury Regional Councillor for Christchurch East,
19 April 2008.

The New Zealand Climate Change Relay passes through Christchurch today.
Starting from Northland in October 2007, the long-distance baton relay
raises awareness and builds community over global warming issues. It
encourages local events through the website climaterelay.co.nz

"The Relay is practical demonstration of what people need to do - work
together and save energy," says participant Rik Tindall - "Canterbury
environmentalists are thrilled to be taking part."

The Climate Relay emphasises fossil fuel use reduction, and has inspired
a running relay along Brighton beach today. Beginning at Waimairi beach
at 1.30pm, a series of runners will carry the Relay baton to South
Shore, past New Brighton Pier around 2pm.

"We're really happy to be doing our bit to stop global warming," Tindall
reports. "The baton must travel by energy efficient means, so we've used
NZ Post courier to receive it from Picton. A hybrid car on loan from
ECan will complete the Canterbury leg of the baton journey this Sunday,"
he says.

Stops in Ashburton, Timaru and Waimate are planned, before the baton is
delivered to the Waitaki District Council steps in Oamaru. "The Otago
Relay team have a long sequence of activities planned, and we are eager
to help them get started," Tindall says.

"Thinking about our mobility is the first step towards a sustainable
future," the local Climate Relay organiser claims. "Knowing what choices
we have with an energy-depleted future follows," he says.

"Next time the baton comes through Canterbury we will run a longer
course, with more supporters aware of the climate challenge that we are
facing together," Tindall hopes.

Ends

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