Extinction Rebellion takes a tour of downtown Wellington to point out the coal industry stalwarts and ask why they’re still there in the face of a climate emergency. 

“There are coal companies in Wellington??”

That’s the incredulous response every single time we mention taking the public on a tour of the biggest coal industry companies and supporters in Wellington.

Yes, appallingly, there are. Right here in our beautiful, progressive, kākā-filled coolest little capital. While we enjoy our green belt and harbour views, Wellington-based coal advocates and companies are responsible for expanding coal mining in the Waikato, Canterbury, Southland and on the South Island’s West Coast, devastating the local ecosystems and spewing further CO2 into the atmosphere when we are already in a climate and ecological emergency. So, the local Extinction Rebellion group hosted a tour of four of the biggest baddies, highlighting Welly’s less promotional title of the “coalest little capital”.

First up, right there on Willeston Street, is the head office of the biggest coal company in the country, Bathurst Resources. Bathurst started as a small Australian company before deciding to cross the Tasman in search of easier pickings. They scratched around to little effect before partnering with fishing company Talleys, which presumably concluded that its environmental reputation couldn’t get any worse anyway. They formed BT Mining and bought up the mines of former state-owned coal miner Solid Energy at bargain-basement prices when that company went bust.

Between them, Bathurst and BT Mining mined over two million tonnes of coal from New Zealand soil in 2017, leading to an estimated four million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions that our planet’s overheated atmosphere does not need. Bathurst’s reckless destruction of the beautiful, biodiverse Denniston plateau also shows its contempt for anything other than profit.

Coal consumer Fonterra, New Zealand’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has its Wellington headquarters on Lambton Quay. Most of Fonterra’s emissions come from its on-farm activities, driven by its relentless, reckless programme of dairy intensification that has left farmers in hock to predatory banks, and rivers, lakes and landscapes ruined throughout the country. In addition, Fonterra uses fossil fuels for most of its milk-drying. In 2017, the dairy co-operative reported that it had burned 500,000 tonnes of coal leading to 837,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Fonterra is moving to replace burning coal for heat, instead using electricity and burning biomass from sustainable sources, such as wood waste – but its progress is nowhere near fast enough relative to the scale of the climate emergency we face.

Next there is Straterra the mining lobbyist on the Terrace, whose sole purpose is to promote mining. Within Straterra nestles the Coal Association of New Zealand, chaired by the CEO of Bathurst Resources. They have no intention whatsoever to phase out coal. Indeed all their plans rely on the assumption that some magical technology will be discovered that will allow them to keep expanding coal mining forever. Spoiler: it isn’t going to happen.

Even the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has a department called NZ Petroleum and Minerals (NZPAM), whose taxpayer-funded staff spend their days promoting mining – so explicitly that it’s hard to distinguish NZPAM’s work from industry lobbyists Straterra.

NZPAM oversees legislation in the Crown Minerals Act that specifically states its purpose as “to promote prospecting for, exploration for, and mining of Crown-owned minerals” – including coal. Government departments should be managing the end of coal in New Zealand and ensuring a just transition away from fossil fuels. Instead, NZPAM acts as cheerleaders and enablers for this deadly industry.

At this point, the need to phase out coal is obvious. The wreckage of habitats and local air and water pollution from coal mining are reason enough, before even factoring in the climate emergency. And the key point is: we don’t need it. Coal is on the way out – for heat production, for energy generation, and even for steel production. Fossil-free production processes are now being scaled up to commercial levels, and much more could be done with recycling steel and with wood-based construction that has the added benefit of sequestering carbon.

These coal advocates have had a free rein for too long. That era is over.

Melanie Vautier and Tim Jones are climate change activists and members of Coal Action Network Aotearoa and Extinction Rebellion.

The post Does Wellington really want to be the coalest little capital? appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

I recently found myself in Dunedin for the first time in a decade. It was wonderful to rediscover the city- not for the usual touristy things, but as an anti-coal advocate; there to support, among other things, the blockade at the Minerals Forum. The Forum was a conference involving promoting the expansion of coal in NZ. A (wonderfully named) COALition of activist groups including Coal Action Network Aotearoa had gotten together to tell the delegates exactly how unwelcome they were in their city.

We headed down in the darkness, where already at 6am delegates were scurrying into the building- three hours early, just to avoid us! Woohoo. Security had been standing there all night- it was about time we broke up the monotony.

Groups of dozens stood arm in arm, blocking a rumoured thirty-something entryways. There was an almost constant flow of support people coming around offering apples, water, snacks; others stopped by with various musical instruments for some entertainment or a singalong, still more raced around with walkie talkies saying where more people were needed. There was a chill tent with beanbags, there was about four thousand signs and banners, there was an appointed chef for a vegan BBQ. Every now and then things got intense as the delegates, generally alongside police but not necessarily, tried to barge their way through. We’d link arms just as staunchly as we possibly could, stand our ground, frenetic chants would well up of “We’re non-violent, how about you?” and we made it really, really difficult for them to get in.

We had everyone from high school students to retirees- none of whom shied away from the frontline. All ages, genders and backgrounds, linking up and singing songs. Our diversity was a stark contrast to the huddle of delegates we blocked- a sea of grey hair. In movie war scenes I always wonder how you can tell amongst the chaos who is a goodie and who is a baddie. In a blockade, it’s easy: baddies wear suits, protesters wear puffer jackets or colourful leggings or penguin onesies. Some protesters did wear suits, but they also all wore beanies; so in any potential times of confusion you can just check heads for beanies and you could be fairly confident who you were dealing with. And if you find yourself not on the side of the colourful leggings and the penguin indiscriminately giving out free hugs, you really have to question some life decisions.

I have to acknowledge the fantastic group of people involved in the blockade. That must be one of the most universally compassionate and sensitive environments I have ever encountered. They manage to successfully have no hierarchy, which baffled some people who wanted to speak to our ‘leader.’ Everyone brought their own vibes and it became an amazing collaborative spectacle. From harmonicas to hula hoopers, from hands glued to doors to those who stood nearby with signs and moral support, from the videographers and live streamers to the mystery people who pulled off a spectacular banner drop; it felt like one big amazing diverse organism, the sum so much more than its parts.

We kept a lot of them out for most of the morning, and when the last ones got through we dropped our positions, picked up various implements, and had ourselves a little party making as much noise as we could!

Unbeknownst to us, the mayor inside was bravely telling a room full of miners that he was on our side: “the people outside those doors are expressing the overwhelming view of this community and my Council.” I don’t think they’ll be in a hurry to host a mining conference in Dunedin again anytime soon.

So I spent four days in Dunedin, saw very little of the city, but would not have it any other way. Standing there in the early morning darkness, linking arms with strangers, singing Te Aroha – I felt in my bones there was nowhere I’d rather be. *

*Of course, really, I’d rather there wasn’t a climate emergency and I could just go down and see the penguins; but given the state of things- confronting the mining industry was pretty satisfying too…!

**I have also just about recovered from my lingering instinct to block the path of any suited man I see; which has not been ideal in the streets of Wellington.

The post The Minerals Blockade: A View From the Frontline appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

A day of discussion, information…. and plotting the end of coal in Aotearoa.

Sunday 26 May
9.30 – 4pm
9 The Octagon,  Central Dunedin

New Zealand is mining, burning, and continuing to increase our use of the very worst of fossil fuels: COAL.  In the current climate emergency, we all need to rally together to build a better future, and that means getting rid of coal.

Step One on the road to stopping a climate emergency?  Get informed.

• Climate breakdown
• Fonterra
• Coal in Dunedin
• Coal and Just Transitions
• The upcoming Minerals Forum at the Dunedin Centre

The post Coal in Aotearoa – Discussion Day, Sunday 26 May appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

An international day “Rise for Climate,” organized by 350.org, resulted in over 250 000 people, 900+ events, in 95+ countries, organizing local days of action. The events purposely coincided with the Global Climate Action Summit a couple of days later, to display to politicians the strength of the ever-growing public demand for strong climate policy.

Here in New Zealand, events were held in Auckland, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill; with several of them involving Coal Action Network Aotearoa (CANA) members in organisational / speaking roles.

More summaries are available from 350 Aotearoa (and extensive video footage!), but below are our accounts of the ones we were involved in!

In Wellington, around two hundred people took part in a colourful, noisy superhero themed march from Te Papa to Civic Square. There were speakers from an impressive variety of local climate groups as well as an unexpected cameo from James Shaw, who encouraged further public engagement to push politicians further.

From CANA, Mel spoke about the importance of activism in any societal progress, and Tim read a climate-themed poem and spoke about coal. The afternoon also included a beautiful song from local singer Jess Adams, the wonderfully energetic Pacific Climate Warriors, and even an amazing speech from Urs Signer, all the way from Taranaki.

Sign 350 Wellington’s petition to ban the petroleum conference from Wellington council venues here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/oil-and-wellington-dont-mix?source=direct_link

In Dunedin, around 100 people showed up in force to hear speakers (including CANA’s Rosemary), and a petition was kicked off to demand Cosy Homes Trust Otago to remove NZ Oil & Gas as a funder. The event was a celebration of past achievements (Dunedin City Council was the first in the country to divest from fossil fuels) and a great platform to get a new generation of Uni activists involved.

Sign their petition here: https://www.toko.org.nz/petitions/fossil-free-cosy-homes

CANA’s Jenny down in Invercargill hosted the southern-most Rise event in the world (except for the one in Antarctica!). People brought symbols of what they are doing in their own lives to combat climate change – a wonderful opportunity to share ideas and inspiration.

In Christchurch, CANA’s Tor was one of the organisers, putting huge amounts of effort into creating not one but two events- People gathered in the Transitional Cathedral to hear speeches from locals working in the climate movement, and the next day was a celebration of Christchurch’s amazing food forest movement, with an opportunity to swap seedlings and learn about food forests.

Here’s Fossil Free Aoraki’s petition (and dear to our own hearts) demanding Fonterra to stop using coal boilers: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/fonterra-no-new-coal-boilers.

And here’s a short video of the global event. Quite ridiculously, watching it brought tears to my eyes. This is what it’s all about, this is why we’re here. When it sometimes feels like a David and Goliath-esque battle to be heard, this event showed the strength and breadth of the climate movement. 95 countries. 900+ events. 250 000 + people. And so much further we can grow… What a great day- let’s do it again!!

-Mel and the CANA team.

The post Rise for Climate Report: Aotearoa to the World appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

Mark your calendar – on Saturday 8 September find a Rise for Climate event in a city or town near you (or create one!).

Real climate leadership rises from below. It means power in the hands of people not corporations. It means economic opportunity for workers and justice and dignity for frontline communities that are the hardest hit by the impacts of the fossil fuel industry and a warming world.

This September, cities, states, businesses and civil society from around the world are gathering in California for the Global Climate Action Summit.  Local leaders are now leading the fight against greenhouse gases as governments drag their feet. We need to achieve: a fast, fair and just transition to 100% renewable energy; an immediate end to new fossil fuel projects; reforestation for carbon absorption; and an end to unsustainable land and water use.

Before the Summit, 350.org are planning thousands of rallies in cities and towns around the world to demand our local leaders take effective climate action and Rise for Climate!

We are at a crossroads. By acting together, we can end the era of fossil fuels and save the climate we all depend on.

What’s happening in Aotearoa?
You are warmly invited to the 350 events in the main centres.
Not near a major city? Why not set up your own event?!  350 Aotearoa can give you heaps of support & helpful resources
– contact Claudia Palmer claudia@350.org.nz

Check the 350 Aotearoa Facebook page for the most up-to-date info in all centres.  Links go to their Facebook events.

• Auckland 350 is calling on Auckland Museum not to take dirty money from the coal industry. Rally Sat 8 Sept, 10:30am. Auckland Museum A. The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland
• Wellington 350 is calling on the City Council not to hire out council–owned conference facilities to the Petroleum Summit. Rally Sat 8 Sept 2:00pm. Civic Square, 101 Wakefield St, Wellington
• Nelson 350 is launching a new 350 fossil free action group for Nelson. Rally Sat 8 Sept 12:00pm  Church Steps, 45 Selwyn Place, Nelson
• Christchurch 350 has 2 events, on Friday and Saturday:
  1) Spotlighting Local Climate Leadership – Transitional Cathedral, Friday 7 Sept, 7pm – schools, churches, unions etc
  2) Trees for Climate – rally at Victoria Square, Sat 8 Sept, 1-3pm – seedlings, speakers, music….
• Dunedin 350 is getting together to celebrate their successes to date and plan the future. Meet Sat 8 Sept at 1pm at the Octagon, Dunedin.
• Invercargill: 1-2pm, Wachner Place, Invercargill. Bring a/some symbols to help share about your commitment to stopping climate change. Contact Jenny Campbell, 027 351 0180, jennycam@xtra.co.nz

Enjoy!  The antidote to despair is taking action together and there are many ways to do this.

Torfrida Wainwright

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You might have seen a new hashtag emerging on the CANA Facebook page: #goodnewsstories.

You might, equally, wonder what these stories about bananas and tramping tracks have to do with our coal focus.

Well, I’ll tell you!

As you may have noticed, anytime there’s any glimmer of governmental support for winding down the fossil fuel industry, the media loves to bang on about lost jobs and damages to The Economy. This ongoing fear-mongering is damaging to our climate targets, completely misses the bigger picture of what’s at stake if we don’t transition away from fossil fuels, and ignores the potential for significantly more jobs emerging in the renewable energy sector.

The point of all these Good News Stories is to provide another perspective. A positive perspective. Opportunities abound; the world is our oyster. We don’t need to rely on a fossil fuel economy. Kiwi ingenuity is shining – people have started businesses using the changing climate to their advantage; growing bananas or coffee. A new Great Walk is giving new life to a tired mining town, with huge potential for creative tourism opportunities.

All too often the news feed of an environmentalist is gloomy and bleak. It’s exhausting. The standard scare tactics of people just trying to get people to care have been largely ineffective. We are human – we crave inspiration, positivity, humanity, hope. In the face of climate change, there is still an abundance of all of these things. They just get lost among all the other, more catastrophic, click-bait. So CANA’s Good News Stories have come about as an effort to bring some hope and positivity back to environmentalists, and also to reach those who don’t put themselves in that category – just people looking for inspiration.

If you have any stories you would like us to share, personal or otherwise, please email or message us. In the words of my personal favourite Climate Inspirer Paul Hawken, we have an opportunity “to see global warming not as an inevitability but as an invitation to build, innovate, and effect change, a pathway that awakens creativity, compassion, and genius.”

Here’s some examples of people doing just that:

The “Carrot Crusader” Alex Davies started a pop-up restaurant after the Christchurch earthquake, with an emphasis on showcasing local vegetables:
: https://thespinoff.co.nz/food/23-07-2018/the-carrot-crusader-meet-the-christchurch-chef-changing-the-game/?utm_source=The+Bulletin&utm_campaign=022c0e7916-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_01_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_552336e15a-022c0e7916-533766577

Northland’s “thriving banana growing business” is extending to Gisborne with funding going into growing an East Coast banana economy: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/104988290/east-coast-banana-growing-venture-taps-into-taxpayer-funding

A couple who have become NZ’s first commercial coffee growers: https://thisnzlife.co.nz/inside-new-zealands-first-commercial-coffee-harvest/

A new Great Walk bringing life to ex-mining town Blackball:
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018649769/paparoa-track-a-great-walk-for-cyclists-too  and https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/104795894/New-West-Coast-Great-Walk-the-Paparoa-Track-a-thank-you-and-an-opportunity

And dairy legend Glen’s mission to make milk a sustainable industry:
https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/21-04-2018/i-founded-happy-cow-to-make-a-difference-in-dairying-i-failed/

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for more upcoming Good News…or even go out and make some!

The post #goodnewsstories appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

One controversial issue is whether all gases should be treated the same, or whether short-lived gases like methane which decay after a few years should not be required to cut to zero.

Jeanette Fitzsimons considers the options and gives her view here:

https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/19-06-2018/cutting-methane-hard-and-fast-is-the-best-path-to-carbon-zero/

The post One Basket Or Two? Jeanette Fitzsimons Considers How To Treat Methane In The Zero Carbon Bill appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

On Sunday the 6^th of May I had the privilege of seeing climate change activist Bill McKibben speak at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington. I cannot overstate what excitement this was for me – in my books Bill ranks among God status (which I am sure he would be less than pleased about, being a very modest dude and a religious man himself). Of course, I leapt at the opportunity to volunteer at the event, and when he emerged from the heavens, touched my shoulder and said how much he appreciated us volunteering, my feet just about lifted off the ground.

The other two speakers, Mahina-a-rangi Baker and Rosemary Penwarden, were amazing as well. Mahina spoke about Maori perspectives – one metaphor she used that stuck with me is that Western culture is like someone in a race who is so far behind that they think they’re winning. That made me smile, as I have a friend who actually had that experience, but it’s also definitely something to think about. Western hegemony is so entrenched that it is can actually be quite novel to consider that indigenous cultures may know things that Western science does not.

And Rosemary, whenever mentioned afterwards, was immediately followed by a gleeful chorus of “amaaaaaazzziing!” She told a personal story of how she came to be a climate activist, inspired by the birth of her grandson. She was equal parts adorable and badass, someone you want to be best friends with but at the same time are a little bit scared of. Her anecdotes of activist exploits made me (and I would assume many others present) wonder what I have been doing with my life and how to be like Rosemary.

Bill was not as I expected. I haven’t seen a whole lot of public speakers, but generally (especially on YouTube) they are smooth, well-rehearsed and energetic. With Bill it was more like a conversation- he actually paused to think about what he was going to say next. It was so natural it was almost unnatural in the context of a stage; just absolutely heartfelt and genuine. He confessed that he would rather be in his office, writing (as is his primary profession). He is there not to sell tickets and glorify himself, he is there because he is desperate. He has been fighting for climate action for thirty years. And it felt like that. He seemed tired. He seemed frustrated.

Despite the many amazing, inspiring stories of public action around the world, he has been beaten down so many times. He showed the graph of how rates of atmospheric carbon dioxide levelled off for a couple of years, when we dared to hope things were finally turning around, only for the CO₂ level to resume its increasing trajectory last year. He told of his ‘mistake’ in taking part in an argument that turned out to be bogus from the start – both sides always knew the consequences of burning fossil fuels. It was never about the correct science. It was a public relations effort on a giant scale, a massive billion-dollar campaign to protect a powerful yet dying industry. ‘Facts’ became a matter of who could yell the most passionately.

Bill opened his talk questioning whether he needed to be there – a reference to the recent announcement to not allow new oil and gas permits. This is one factor where I would disagree with him- it is more important than ever. Here in New Zealand we still have eighteen coal mines. We are still subsiding fossil fuels $46 million every year, and don’t subsidies renewable energy at all. The vast majority of our banks, our councils, our universities and our retirement funds invest in (and therefore support) fossil fuels. Existing offshore oil permits can potentially carry on until 2070. At the same time, we know perfectly clearly that if we burn even half of the oil we have already found globally, climate change would be catastrophic.

His final words, about standing shoulder to shoulder in our battle for the planet, reminded me of a scene in Lord of the Rings, when Aragorn gives his final rallying speech. “A day may come when the courage of men fails… But it is not this day! This day, we fight!” Well Bill, I for one can certainly say, you have my sword.

I cannot recommend enough Bill’s book ‘Deep Economy.’ It wraps up climate change, capitalism, and farmers markets all in one incredibly interesting page-turner.

An article to start you off with- kind of old now but still just as relevant- Bill’s Rolling Stone article about the nonsensical investments in fossil fuels https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719

The post “This Day, We Fight!”: Aragorn, Bill McKibben, And Climate Change appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

The campaign to end the mining and burning of fossil fuels in Aotearoa has had a major win with the Government’s announcement of an end to new offshore oil and gas exploration. But that still leaves plenty of existing permits – and so far, despite some encouraging words early in their term, the Government has done nothing concrete to prevent new and expanded coal mines.

That’s why we’re really encouraged that our friends in 350 Aotearoa have announced two major events with Bill McKibben in early May – plus livestreams for those who can’t attend in person. Below is the announcement from 350 Aotearoa, but first – if you want to set up a livestream event in your community, here’s how to make a start:

Livestreaming

The Auckland event will be livestreamed starting at 7pm on Monday 7 May. You can follow this at home via the Auckland Facebook event,

Check out 350 Aotearoa’s Facebook page for updates on livestreaming venues.

350 Aotearoa Fossil Free Acceleration Tour Announcement

Tena koutou,

It’s a great pleasure, on such a landmark day for us in the climate movement, to announce the Fossil Free Acceleration Tour with Bill Mckibben, this coming May.

350 Aotearoa sees the government’s announcement to end offshore oil exploration as a massive win and a motivating catalyst for more work, and more change to come. 350 is committed to a fast and just transition to a world powered by 100% renewable energy for all.

At such a pivotal and exciting time in the climate movement, we are excited to welcome Bill McKibben to Aotearoa, and strengthen relationships with other progressive movements and organisations that share in this vision too.

This tour will be a huge opportunity to accelerate and promote all the amazing work that has gone into the fossil free movement so far. I warmly invite you to join us at our events and kindly ask that you spread this announcement through your networks.

Ever since the release of his first book ‘The End of Nature’ 25 years ago, Bill McKibben has become one of the world’s most notable commentators on climate change. Since co-founding 350.org, he has turned to grassroots activism, participating in the Fossil Free campaign, a powerful movement of citizens which demands:

1. A fast + just transition to 100% renewable energy for all.

2. No new fossil fuel projects anywhere.

3. Not a penny more for dirty energy

In January 2018, he was instrumental in New York City’s motion to sue five major energy companies for damages from climate change, and their decision to divest US$5billion from fossil fuel projects. Following this success, Bill McKibben is now making his way to Aotearoa on his global Fossil Free Acceleration Tour.

We encourage you to come see Bill McKibben speak alongside local leaders in the climate movement on the following dates:

Wellington, Sunday 6th May, Embassy Cinema at 7pm. Tickets available here.

Auckland, Monday 7th May, Town Hall Concert Chamber at 7pm. Tickets available here.

Keep updated through our Facebook events:

Wellington: https://www.facebook.com/events/199374854004160/

Auckland: https://www.facebook.com/events/127618811423227/

350 Aotearoa understand that we have a responsibility for ensuring a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. If you have questions regarding accessibility, or any other queries regarding the Fossil Free Acceleration Tour please get in contact.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Nāku nā,

Claudia Palmer
Tour Manager
350 Aotearoa

The post Updated Livestream Details: Fossil Free Acceleration Tour with Bill McKibben: Wellington, Sunday 6 May, and Auckland, Monday 7 May, Plus Livestream on 7 May appeared first on Coal Action Network Aotearoa.

Good on Jacinda Ardern and the current New Zealand government for their courage in announcing an end to offshore oil exploration, and issuing no new onshore permits outside of Taranaki.  This vital first step re-directs our focus away from fossil fuels toward an industry sustained by renewable energy.  Transitions do have to start somewhere, and at the least, this is a start.  James Shaw is correct when he states that there is an “enormous opportunity for the creation of new jobs and new technologies that our dependence on fossil fuels has held back for too long.”

And shame on the National Party for responding to this announcement with disdainful terms like ‘economic vandalism’.  Economic vandalism is the refusal—inability—to see the dire economic repercussions of full blown climate chaos.  Regional and national governments are regularly confronted by billions of dollars in cost with every drought, flood and cyclone that devastates a community.  Ignoring the increasing frequency and intensity of these storms is a form of negligence that future generations will be loath to forgive.

Vandalism is deliberate, mischievous or malicious.  Ardern’s announcement is deliberate, cautious and commensurate.  She is setting a course.  Many in the climate movement have responded that the course hasn’t been adjusted enough to make an impact, while the fossil fuel industry warns that driving production overseas will harm the environment; they clearly see the greenhouse gas over New Zealand as somehow more green and less harmful that the greenhouse gases over the rest of the planet.

Discussions, thoughts, about climate chaos can either lure despondency or arouse fury.  It is an issue of such importance that the life of the planet is literally balanced in the outcome.  It’s like we’re in a Bruce Willis movie where all the explosions are played by extreme weather events, and the ultimate good-guy hero that saves the day is you and me – so CANA would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Oil Free Wellington for their successful, inspired and indeed heroic hosting of the Rally for Climate Justice.

This was Rosemary’s fifth Oil Summit blockade, and she felt it was the most hopeful because of the diverse cross section of society who gathered and stood together against continuing a fossil fuel addiction that will literally cost us the earth.  The presence of the Supergrans gave depth and wisdom to the action, but the mix of high school kids, iwi, cyclists, professionals, church groups and activists from all over Aotearoa established this blockade as a unified movement.  It wasn’t just a protest.

“Five years ago, outside the Westpac Stadium, I felt powerless alongside the other protestors, watching the delegates enter the conference, pomposity intact. This year I saw worried-looking delegates hustled through fire exit doors and underground car park entrances guarded by angry police. The diversity affected them too.”  —Rosemary 

Oil Free Wellington ensured that those involved in the Rally understood what is at stake, so they opened and freely shared a vault of wisdom on the Sunday prior to the Blockade.  Scientists spoke factually.  Lawyers spoke of the law.  Tangata whenua spoke of tradition and history.  And the people of Taranaki spoke of their lost taonga, the loss of their food basket and their poisoned land.

“I got a heart-felt connection to the Taranaki people who’ve been fighting oil & fracking for years.  I gained a stronger sense of connection with the many people around Aotearoa.” 

—Torfrida

Oil Free Wellington is one part of the consistent pressure a determined climate movement has been put on the Petroleum Conference since it started convening in New Zealand.  This year, this pressure forced conference organizers into secrecy about the venue and the start date; the conference was delayed a full day.

The annual attendance by climate groups at these oil and gas conferences also forced a huge police presence.  Delegates got up 2 hours early to try to get inside the venue before the blockade was formed, but those working to stave off full-blown climate disruption got up even earlier and were in place when those delegates arrived, so the start of the conference was delayed further.  The determination and conviction of those forming the blockade led to the police escorting and protecting the food being delivered for lunch, which was a bizarre thing to watch.

“I was proud to be one of a group of over 70s who held the line in front of the main doors which were never breached. I was proud that we established a conversation with the police who stepped back from their aggression and shared the odd joke. I was very disappointed to hear later of the violence they showed our people on the other side of the building.”  —Jeanette

Petroleum Conference proceedings were disrupted even further with deafening noise.  The TSB Arena is not much more than a long metal shed, and we all know what a racket can be made by pounding on sheets of aluminium.

“The ‘music’ from the ‘band’ was ingenious!  Rubbish bin lids slamming.  Umbrellas carrying the rhythm of a drum beat.  An orchestra of improvised noise makers.  The oil and gas companies must have got the message that they are not welcome here.”  —Jenny

Jacinda Ardern had intimated that she would lead a government that says “No” to new oil and gas exploration, but her announcement does little to address the possible decades of production if oil were to be found on an existing permit or the continued issuance of on-shore permits.  When the government says, “It’s okay to explore and extract,” the voices of those who know better must be heard loud and clear.  That’s why blockades and actions like the one hosted by Oil Free Wellington are so important.

“There was one point in the blockade where I just stepped outside myself and watched.  The police were standing in a line with their arms outstretched.  All of them were wearing black gloves.  I could hear bagpipes and bicycle bells.  A bunch of yellow-caped grannies and grampies came round the corner carrying placards with photos of their grandchildren.  It was raining, and a guy gave me a piece of chalk so that I could write a message about why I was there.”  —Zella

This government has drawn a line in the sand and set our country on the path to a clean energy, low carbon future.  It clearly hasn’t gone far enough to address the oncoming destruction of full-scale climate disruption, but it is a start.

“This is what change looks like. It’s messy, and it’s never as complete or as urgent as it needs to be, and vested interests who’ve spent centuries colonising and destroying the planet for profit don’t give up easily or quickly. But it’s a step in the right direction, made possible by relentless pressure. Now we have to step up the pressure even further on all fossil fuels.”  — Tim

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