Coal Action Network Aotearoa Supports Day of Action Against Fossil Fuel Extraction

Press Release: Coal Action Network Aotearoa

24/7/11

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Coal Action Network Aotearoa has today come out in support of the, Top of the South 'hands across the sand' regional actions, occurring simultaneously on June 25th at 12noon on Tahunanui, Motueka and Pohara beaches. These events will kick off an international day of action against fossil fuel extraction.

“People in Nelson, Motueka and Golden Bay are taking this opportunity to join hands and draw a line in the sand to say no to expanded fossil fuel extraction in NZ and urge the Government to abandon their fossil fuel agenda” said Frances Mountier, spokesperson for Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

“We call for New Zealand to leave the coal in the hole. Coal Action Network Aotearoa stands in solidarity with the people in Nelson, Motueka, Golden Bay and people from countries around the world who are using their voices to call for a clean energy future – such as Australia, UK, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Norway and South Africa. There are 180 events confirmed in the US alone”.

For more on hands across the sand see; *www.handsacrossthesand.org*

“On a local, national and global level, joining hands sends a powerful visual message to Governments and corporations that New Zealand must leave the coal in the hole. We are unified in our concerns against fossil fuel extraction, and are calling for an economy based on clean renewable energy”.

"Coal Action Network Aotearoa supports the call from the top of the south to phase out fossil fuels. We don't want to contribute to catastrophic climate change by supporting further fossil fuel extraction. Instead there needs to be more discussion around the economic opportunities Aotearoa New Zealand will miss out on. We need to priortise the development of home-grown clean technologies."

Coal Action Network is aware of the applications made by the overseas shadow company Greywolf in the Tasman Bay region and understands this company is a front for the massive Chinese company Qinghua.

"There have been multiple public meetings held in the Nelson, Tasman Bay region in the past few weeks which have seen people expressing their outrage at the current government's interest in continuing fossil fuel extraction over an economy based on clean, renewable energy" said Ms Mountier.

Note: Greywolf's applications for exploration in the Tasman Bay region were withdrawn as a result of local opposition by groups including Manawhenua Ki Mohua, who called a meeting at Onetahua marae. Greywolf are now facing investigations of deception through the Serious Fraud Office.

*ENDS*

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