Public forum: A future without coal? Christchurch, Tuesday 14th August
Save Happy Valley Christchurch, in conjunction with Coal Action Network, are hosting a public forum tonight featuring Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, renowned Antarctic and climate change scientist Professor Peter Barrett and a speaker on the local impacts of coal mining. The forum will be held in the William Sutton Room, Arts Centre, Christchurch, and starts at 7pm.
The AUSIMM (Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy) is holding a conference in Christchurch from the 13-15th. "Many of the mining corporations which are the focus of criticism from environment groups are expected to attend. SHV and CAN together with experts in the field of sustainability and climate change will consider the many exciting alternatives," said Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson.
"The Labour Government is concerningly pro-mining now; indeed environmental protection is weakening. Often the compliance of DOC, Ministers and Departments leads to corporate desecration of our precious ecosystems.
"While the mining companies of New Zealand meet to plan the expansion of their ecologically destructive, climate changing and polluting industry into some of the most beautiful parts of Aotearoa, we will be looking at creating a sustainable future that does not rely on desecrating our natural environment," said Ms Mountier.
Save Happy Valley will also host a community dinner on Thursday 16th August, from 6.30pm at the Media Club, featuring SHV Coalition speakers and stunning footage of Happy Valley.
//ENDS
Media Contact
Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley spokesperson
0211757484
Notes
The Save Happy Valley Coalition is a collection of groups and individuals from around Aotearoa committed to stopping Solid Energy's proposed open cast coal mine in Happy Valley (Upper Waimangaroa Valley) on the West Coast. They work to raise awareness on climate change in New Zealand. They are also deeply concerned about the fate of all endangered species under threat from Solid Energy, including Powelliphanta "Augustus" at the nearby Stockton mine. The Coalition is made up of West Coast locals, students, workers and the general public. The group has a track record of creative protests and lock-ons as well as producing a variety of informative media. They have been occupying Happy Valley since 28th January 2006. More information about the coalition and its history can be found at http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/aboutus.htm
Coal Action Network (CAN) is made up of individuals and groups committed to fighting the continuation of coal mining in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was recently formed specifically to fight Pike River Coal Company Ltd, a company that is preparing to mine coal beneath native forest adjacent to Paparoa National Park and has applied for a further permit to mine beneath the national park. CAN intends to extend its focus over time and to utilise the full spectrum of non-violent action to bring about the cessation of coal mining in this country. To get involved, please email coalactionnetwork@gmail.com
