"For 40,000 Kiwis to turn out and be prepared to speak with one
voice, must tell the Government something," said Greenpeace
ambassador and anti-mining marcher Robyn Malcolm.
"We, the people of NZ get it; we get the argument, we see what
you're up to and we won't have it. Our land will always be more
important to our identity than some extra dollars in the pockets of
mining companies."
"This is one of the biggest turnouts of New Zealanders I've
ever seen," said
Greenpeace Executive Director Bunny McDiarmid.
"People have made it very clear today that they are not happy
with the direction this Government is taking us.
"The mining proposals are like something from another age.
Mining pristine conservation lands is exactly the backwards
thinking that must change if New Zealand's to have any chance of
prosperity in the future. Today's march shows that the Government
and mining industry are on the backfoot on this one."
"It's been incredible to be out here today with so many New
Zealanders who believe that mining in our national parks is not
okay," said Forest and Bird's Nicola Vallance.
"Our protected places are part of how we see ourselves as Kiwis
- they're an essential element of our national identity."
"The Government is eroding public trust but it's obvious from
today's turnout that people will push back hard to make their
voices heard on this issue."
"This rally shows that people both reject the proposals to mine
in these protected areas and that people no longer trust John Key
and Gerry Brownlee's 'consultation' process," said Cath Wallace,
Co-chair of the Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ.
Richard Davies from Federated Mountain Clubs said the march
showed people care about our conservation estate, and are proud of
New Zealand's outdoor image.
"The message to the Government is clear - keep your greedy hands
off our precious landscapes."
John Drummond of Coromandel Watchdog: "Hundreds of people came
up from the Coromandel to participate in the march. Generations
joined together - committed, seasoned campaigners but also waves of
enthusiastic young people."
Other contacts: Greenpeace Media and Communications - Kathy Cumming –- 021 495 216
Greenpeace Executive Director Bunny McDiarmid –- 021 838 183
ECO: Cath Wallace - 021-891-994
Forest and Bird Conservation Advocate – Nicola Vallance – 021558607
Coromandel Watchdog spokesman John Drummond- 021 0457141
FMC - Richard Davies 0274555293
VVPR info: High resolution images from the march can be downloaded for free here:
http://greenpeace.gen.nz/media/main.php/v/press/mining+march/
For video footage please contact Phil Crawford – 0212299594
Exp. contact date: 2010-06-01 00:00:00