In central Wellington at Pencarrow House on Willeston street, Tuesday 12:40pm, a coalition of climate justice groups will be protesting Bathurst Resources’ plans to mine the Denniston Plateau for coal under the fast track legislation.

Spokesperson James Barber says, “we are in the middle of a climate crisis and the effects are being felt by ordinary New Zealanders in floods, storms, droughts and wildfires. All exploration for fossil fuels must end and an urgent just transition to a fairer and more sustainable society needs to happen now.”

“We are here to show that people oppose the fast tracking of the coal industry by the coalition government. We are delighted to see people taking a stand against the coal industry by setting up a peaceful encampment on the Denniston Plateau.”

“At a time when the effects of the climate crisis are rapidly getting worse, exploring for more fossil fuels will only add to the problem. Fossil fuels are a sunset industry and rather than putting vast expense and energy into keeping this industry on life support the government should be leading a transition.”

“Digging for more coal is digging our own grave. We say no to more coal and yes to a just transition.

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