Save Happy Valley Members In Court
Press Release: Save Happy Valley Coalition
21st February 2006

Four members of the Save Happy Valley Coalition appear in the Christchurch District Court this Wednesday. Two face sentencing at 9.15am for their train blockade action against Solid Energy's proposed Cypress Mine. The three activists who demonstrated on the rooftop of Solid Energy's Headquarters last week in support of the ongoing occupation of Happy Valley will appear at 10am.

The indefinite occupation of Happy Valley is into its fourth week. Members of the public have joined the Save Happy Valley Coalition to protect a pristine ecosystem from state owned enterprise Solid Energy's proposed opencast coal mine. "Happy Valley is home to thirteen threatened species, including great spotted kiwi (roa), South Island kaka, western weka, long-tailed bat, South Island fern bird and the endemic land snail Powelliphanta patrickensis. It must not be destroyed" said Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson.

"The rooftop demonstration was in solidarity with those in the valley," said Daniel Rae, one of the three who ascended Solid Energy's headquarters. He faces a charge of Wilful Trespass, while all three face Unlawfully Being on a Building. "The occupation, and solidarity actions, will not end until the Labour Government brings its state owned enterprise under control," said Daniel.

"Solid Energy is well aware of the precarious position it is in. They have tried to intimidate opposition by claiming reparations of $US150,000 – a ridiculous sum," said Frances, who faces this claim for the train blockading action. "Two weeks ago, Solid Energy stated that they had never asked for this sum – yet it appears on our reparations schedule."

"Save Happy Valley groups around the country will not be quietened by such threats. Around the country, groups and individuals are increasing their campaigning, meeting with Ministers, and saying NO to a mine in Happy Valley," said Frances.


Media Contacts

Save Happy Valley Coalition Spokesperson
Frances Mountier: 021 1757484

Rooftop Protestors
Daniel Rae: (03) 3880978
Kristin Gillies: 021 83083
Raoni Hammer: 021 0224 6027

Happy Valley Occupation
Occupation phone: 021 426 662


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. The coalition is made up of West Coast locals, students, workers and the general public. The group has a track record of creative protests, occupations and lock-ons as well as producing a variety of informative media. More information about the coalition and its history can be found at

The Cypress Mine would extract 5 million tonnes of coal, which would emit 12 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when burnt. The coal is all planned for export, mainly to China and Japan for steel manufacture.

190ha of unique pristine vegetation would be destroyed by a mine in Happy Valley. The total footprint would be 256ha.