Save Happy Valley Christmas Protest

This Monday our Santa will deliver a package to the Solid Energy staff, as he is unhappy about their proposal to mine the pristine Happy Valley. At 8.30 a.m. on Monday 19 December 2005, Santa, joined by his elves and other helpers, will be bringing Seasons Greetings to 2 Show Place, corner Whiteleigh Ave, Addington, Christchurch.

‘But, what do bad kids get for Christmas? Coal of course!’ stated elven (and Save Happy Valley Christchurch) spokesperson Graham Jury. ‘We are here to tell Solid Energy that their naughty behaviour is unacceptable, and ruins the festive cheer.’

Solid Energy have a proposed mine in Happy Valley, a beautiful, untouched habitat in the Upper Waimangaroa river basin on the West Coast. The area is home to one hundred great spotted kiwi and the rare Powelliphanta "patrickensis" snail. The opencast coal mine would cause irreversible damage to the habitat of endangered species, to the local environment and to the climate.

‘It’s a silent night without kiwi’ said Graham Jury. “Santa is very disappointed that Solid Energy has not yet learnt that Happy Valley is worth more than its weight in coal!’

Solid Energy also plans to mine the Augustus ridgeline, near Westport. This will completely destroy the last remaining habitat of a carnivorous land snail, Powelliphanta augustus. ‘This is the first instance in New Zealand’s history of government-condoned activities that will effectively eradicate an endemic species,’ said Graham Jury.

‘Solid Energy must make considerable efforts to improve its behaviour, must not mine Happy Valley, and must leave augustus alone, if it hopes to ever receive presents again.’

ENDS

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