Press release - May 18, 2010
Police have arrested four Greenpeace activists at Fonterra’s Clandeboye dairy factory near Timaru, after they succeeded in blocking coal deliveries to the plant for nearly 10 hours.
Greenpeace activists block coal being supplied to the boilers of Fonterra's Clandeboye factory, in Canterbury, with three tonnes of wood pellets and by locking themselves to equipment May 18 2010. .
The activists were highlighting Fonterra's contribution to
climate change, in particular its decision to use coal rather than
clean alternatives to run plants like Clandeboye.
"Fonterra's choice of coal over cleaner alternatives to power
large factories like Clandeboye is driving coal mining and carbon
emissions in New Zealand," said one of the activists, Renee
Davenport of Hamilton.
"We need to stop burning coal in order to protect people and the
environment around the world from the devastating effects of
climate change and to protect New Zealand's clean and green
reputation," she said.
Fonterra is the third largest user of coal in New Zealand and
one of our biggest emitters. The Government's schedule 4 mining
plans include mining 3,000 ha of the Paparoa National Park for
coal, which is destined for Fonterra plants.
Greenpeace has left behind three tonnes of wood pellets which
they delivered earlier today, saying the renewable and
cleaner-burning fuel is the solution to Fonterra's burning of dirty
coal.
"Fonterra's decision to run its factories on coal typifies where
New Zealand is going wrong on climate and our economy," said
Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Simon Boxer. "Both the Government
and Fonterra continue to put short-term profit ahead of the
long-term wellbeing of the economy and the environment. Where is
the leadership we need from our Government and key industry?"
Other contacts: For video contact Phil Crawford, Greenpeace New Zealand media & communications, 021 22 99 594
For more information: Simon Boxer, Greenpeace New Zealand climate campaigner, 021 905 579