Extinction Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion Nelson News

September 2019

Hello Rebels!

I’m struggling to write this first paragraph, so instead I’ll share a couple of quotes one of the Nelson rebels sent to me recently:

“It is good to realize that falling apart is not such a bad thing. Indeed, it is as essential to evolutionary and psychological transformation as the cracking of outgrown shells.”

“Action isn’t a burden to be hoisted up and lugged around on our shoulders. It is something we are. The work we have to do can be seen as a kind of coming alive. More than some moral imperative, it’s an awakening to our true nature, a releasing of our gifts.”

Joanna Macy

XR Christchurch stop coal train – 19 rebels taken into custody

If you wonder what it’s like to be on the frontline of the action,

this is the experience of one of the arrestees.

The Extinction Rebellion mission statement stated “Draw the Line – Coal”. Five members of XR Nelson and XR Motueka decided to join with XR – Otamiti (Christchurch) to support their efforts to peacefully disrupt the coal industry in Christchurch to urgently attempt to draw people’s attention to the current climate crisis.

We travelled to Christchurch from Nelson in a Nissan Leaf (no fossil fuels were consumed). We needed to recharge the battery several times and drove down the east coast to ensure sufficient charging stations. We raised the eyes of the locals at our regular cafe stops, wearing our individualised XR hoodies (we must of looked pretty odd). On the road, there was much speculation as to what the Christchurch action might be (as this was kept top secret).

Having allowed ourselves plenty of travel time, we arrived at the venue for the evening briefing just 10 minutes before the event began. The hall was pretty full, which was pretty exciting, and it was our first indication of what the numbers for the coal action might be.

We separated into three group that designated the likelihood of being arrested: Red meant likely, orange meant possibly and green meant unlikely. We all joined the red and orange group. At the end of the meeting everyone had sorted their transport and each group of four or five were assigned a time and a location to arrive at, where we awaited further instructions.

It all felt quite exciting, a bit like a car rally, we didn’t know what would come next. We arrived near a railway line and awaited further instructions. It wasn’t long before several cars arrived

There was some tension as the groups met and decided how to proceed. We tried to not attract attention as we awaited confirmation that the planning group had stopped the trains from running and had announced the intention of the XR protesters to stop coal trains because the practice was contributing significantly to the climate crisis. On hearing this news people from the red and orange groups moved onto the train tracks and sat across both railway lines.

Soon after two police officers attended and the XR Police coordinator established her role with the officers. Over the next hour a number of Police arrived and the protest action was cordoned off. Police moved into a cordon drawing their own line between the green group who had set up on the park area adjacent to the railway warning members of the green group they would be arrested if they attempted to join the people on the tracks. Close by was a busy road system where more XR protesters set up banners to inform the public about the coal action and the climate crisis.

The Police encouraged people to leave the tracks now or they would be arrested. Some of the orange group left at this time and joined the green group who were lining the tracks and noisily making the reason for the action known. At this point the 20 people remaining on the tracks understood they would be arrested and face unknown consequences for their actions.

Two Police vans were bought into place and the protesters were individually taken into custody. Three climate activists from the Nelson region were first to be arrested. Each arrest was loudly acknowledged by the green group. Some time was spent in the crowded compartments in the Police van. In the station car park each XR protester was searched and scanned and all their personal effects were removed including footwear etc.

After that the activists sat with their groups separated into males and females. The waiting room was spartan. There was a toilet and bench seats. No one used the toilet. After a couple of hours each activist was seen by a Police officer and it was explained they would not face prosecution for their actions but were banned from entering railway property (but not trains) for several years. Activists were given their possessions and were individually released. There were XR supporters who met the activists as they left the Police building.

Soon we were all released and were able to leave the city precinct. Some activists met at a local bar where some tension was released. We all met at a location after the action to assess its effect. There was significant publicity, a mention on the national news and a half front page article in the Christchurch Press. The day had been mentally exhausting for many of the activists but once again their was generous quantities of soups, chocolate etc. The food, effective signage, number of attendants and support they generated were noted as contributing significantly to the action.

On the way home we enjoyed a leisurely drive as well as a number of stops for battery recharging. There were some tired but jubilant climate fighters who returned to Nelson and Motueka.

The red and orange groups stayed on the tracks. This group felt they were really well supported by the green group. Particularly with the lovely food that had been prepared and drumming and vocal support from the green group. The Police were also convivial, some stated they understood the current climate crisis as well as our right to protest. After around three hours the Police announced they would begin arresting people who were blocking trains.

We also know how to party!

We had a great time at the ‘Rebel for Life’ Party! There was live music by Lemongrass, a lot of dancing, a raffle, a silent auction with amazing donations from local artisans and we unveiled our first ‘Draw the Line’ Banner.

The Fashion Industry is the second largest industrial polluter in the world. Our clothing consumption habit produces 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per household – the equivalent 6000 cars! 85% of these end up as landfill! We really can’t go on pretending it’s not happening. Here’s the link to our action, more details will follow.

Save the Amazon – stand with us, bring signs and messages! Protecting the forests is crucial to saving the climate crisis. With industrial exploitation and forest fires ravaging the region, the Amazon is facing unprecedented threats by a greedy industry. Join us in this action.

Either we make history or we’re history! We can’t wait for the Government. They’re too slow to act and continue to back destructive industries. Inspired by the people of London who took to the streets in a mass non violent civil disobidience, they achieved that the UK declared a climate and ecological emergency.

In October this will spread to the rest of the world, and Wellington will be the first to rebel. It’s time for New Zealand to declare an emergency. More details will follow, if you are interested join us at our meetings and make sure you register here. If you want to go but are worried about finance please e-mail nelson@extinctionrebellion.nz

Candidates under the microscope on climate this election

In order for voters to be able to identify who will support and lead meaningful action on climate breakdown, Common Climate have joined forces with Generation Zero and developed a questionnaire asking the tough questions.