Press release - May 25, 2010
A public rally in front of parliament next Wednesday, June 2, will deliver thousands of petitions urging the Government to save whales, not whaling.
The rally has been organised ahead of the mid June meeting of
the International Whaling Commission (IWC) when a decision is
expected on a proposal which could spell disaster for the whales or
secure their future.
The Government said the proposal was "unacceptable" after
details were released on April 23. Rather than abandon the proposal
thousands of New Zealanders have called on the Government to fight
for a stronger deal which protects the future of the world's
whales.
The lunchtime rally, starting at 12.30pm, will be addressed by
Karli Thomas of Greenpeace, Kauahi Ngapora of Whale Watch Kaikoura
and Bridget Vercoe of World Society for the Protection of
Animals.
One of the event organisers, Greenpeace volunteer Jessie Dennis,
of Wellington, said a good turnout was expected as whale
conservation was part of the country's national identity.
"It's important to Kiwis that our Government upholds New
Zealand's long tradition of whale conservation and welfare," she
said.
Last month around 200 Greenpeace supporters held a peaceful
protest outside the Beehive on the day details of the IWC proposal
were announced. They carried whale tail placards symbolising what
was at stake saying a whale graveyard would be the outcome if the
Government did not make a choice in the long term interests of
whales.
The 'Save the Whales' rally is being organised by Greenpeace,
Forest and Bird, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, World
Society for the Protection of Animals and Project Jonah.
Other contacts: Phil Crawford, Greenpeace New Zealand communications & media, 021 22 99 594
VVPR info: Images from the April 23 protest can be downloaded for free from;
http://www.greenpeace.gen.nz/media/main.php/v/press/whalesnotwhaling/
Exp. contact date: 2010-06-25 00:00:00