Kia ora, rebels! This is the Extinction Rebellion Aotearoa New Zealand Newsletter for updates for the Global Rebellion which will kick off in Wellington. If you are new to Extinction Rebellion, welcome! This Newsletter contains important information about our Week of Action, and in particular what you need to know about what we’re doing on Monday October 7th. Please read on to find out more.

 

It’s just one week ‘til we draw the line on climate crime!

170,000 New Zealanders marched at the Climate Strike on Friday and if our dithering politicians and the country’s climate criminals think they can now go back to business as usual, we want them to know…

This party is just getting started!

Rebels, friends, whānau, anyone and everyone, join rebels from all over Aotearoa NZ on Monday 7 October for non-violent civil disobedience in the heart of Wellington. We will be shutting down an area in central Wellington in order to rebel against a system that is leading us into ecological and climate collapse.

It’s time to draw the line on climate crime and business-as-usual inaction. Our planet is on the verge of catastrophic climate and ecological breakdown and the time to act is NOW.

This is a public event and anyone and everyone is welcome to come and join us, with lots of music, a festive atmosphere and family-friendly areas for people with younger kids. So you can JUST TURN UP!

We welcome all people from all walks of life and appreciate that this action may be harder for some to take part in than others. We are working as hard as possible to make the event inclusive. If there are barriers to your participation then please let us know and we will work with you. If you cannot make the action send us a text or video message of support which we will weave into the event.

And if you have anything special to bring to this Day of Action – a puppet show for the kids, a rousing song for the frontline, a suitcase full of cupcakes, a team of roller skaters, do bring them along to ensure this rebellion is a joyful one!

We’ll be the first of more than 60 cities around the world where this is happening – so film, livestream, shoot, share, use #drawtheline #internationalrebellion #rebelswithoutborders #tellthetruth #actnow #rebelforlife

We’ll meet at 7am sharp in Midland Park.

Can’t make it at 7am? No worries e hoa, keep checking Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

During the day, some people will also carry out “actions” – acts of peaceful civil disobedience which we call “non-violent direct action”. To get trained in non-violent civil disobedience please register and go to Rebel Camp at Paekākāriki during the weekend – register by Monday midnight at the latest. 

Camp concert! Finally, after it’s all over, come to Rebel Camp, 4pm Tuesday 8 October for our celebratory concert featuring Bruce Bisset and the Rural Voters, a hot 5-piece blues band from the Hawkes Bay.

 

Here are a few FAQs if you want to know a bit more about what’s happening, what to bring etc.

 

* What is this event all about?

This public event is part of Extinction Rebellion’s global “Week of Action”. On Monday October 7th, we are taking direct action to address the climate and ecological emergency by creating a public space in the heart of Wellington where everyone can connect, learn and protest. Some people will also carry out “actions” – acts of peaceful civil disobedience which we call “non-violent direct action”. We are one of over 60 cities around the world who will disrupt business as usual.

 

* I haven’t been involved with Extinction Rebellion before. Can I still come?

Yes. This is a public event. All are welcome. We include everyone and every part of everyone. Our main principal is to be non-violent and you can learn more here: https://extinctionrebellion.nz/about/

 

* How do I get up to date information about what is happening on the day?

Keep checking Facebook, Instagram and Twitter  for updated information.

Or look for an email newsletter update in the morning of the 7th.

 

* Where and when does the event begin?

We are inviting people to meet at Midland Park on Lambton Quay in central Wellington at  7am (sharp!) on Monday October 7th.

 

* Can I come to Midland Park at any time or do I have to be there at 7am sharp?

Be there at 7am sharp. If you can’t be there at that time, check Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for an update.

 

* What do I need to bring with me?

We want to make this action as low-waste as possible so please think about how you can help us achieve this. Bring a water bottle, Keep Cup, warm clothes, snacks, sunscreen, and wet-weather gear.  Optional but nice: snacks to share with others (try and stick to reducing single-use packaging as much as possible, and if you bring home-baking please ensure it is labelled for allergens); pillows, blankets and bean bags; your climate banner, sign or flag.

 

* How long does the action last?

It will depend on what the day brings! So come early, and if you can’t come early, watch our social media for updates.

 

* Do I have to come for the whole day?

Come for however long you can, when you can.

 

* What if it rains?

Bring your raincoat! We will go ahead regardless of the weather!

 

* Does this event have access for people with disabilities?

The event is wheelchair accessible. If you have other accessibility or health issues, please get in touch at [email protected]
 Call out for a sign language interpreter If you or someone you know has these skills and can help at Rebel Camp on 5/6 October or on Monday 7 October, please email.

 

* Can I bring my kids?

Yes, absolutely. There will be a family-friendly zone where everyone is welcome.

 

* What will be at the family-friendly zone?

Lots of fun and activities – music, art, sunflower seed planting, face painting, stories, and lots more.

 

* Will I get arrested? 

You can take part in the party without putting yourself at risk of arrest.

However, it is possible that police may arrest some people who have chosen to be part of a non-violent direct action and put themselves in a position where arrest is possible.

 

* What is the Rebel Camp?

The rebel camp is in Paekākāriki and its main purpose is to host people who are travelling to Wellington from out of town and who want to be involved in the action. There will be workshops, art, last preparations, and an awesome chance to get to know like-minded people from around the country. More information about the rebel camp can be found here: https://extinctionrebellion.nz/drawtheline/oct5-9/

Please be aware that trains will be replaced by buses on the Kapiti Line on Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October. Check here for the detailed timetable: https://www.metlink.org.nz/service-updates/buses-replace-trains-upcoming-planned-rail-maintenance-2/

These buses are not as reliable as the trains so make sure you get to the station well in advance of the stated travel time if you were planning to use the train to travel to or from Camp.

 

* I haven’t registered for the Rebel Camp. Can I still come?

Yes, absolutely. But you need to register by midnight Monday, 30 September: 

Regsiter Here

 

*Can I visit Rebel Camp and take part in the workshops or training if I’m not actually sleeping over?

Yes! We just need a koha to cover camp entry and help with our other costs, plus meals will be $10 per person per meal.

 

* How else can I support Extinction Rebellion if I can’t come along?

 

* Where can I find out more about Extinction Rebellion?

Go to the website: https://extinctionrebellion.nz 

 

Fundraising

Wanna help XR fundraise AND get a super cool T-shirt designed by Ōtepoti artist Bruce Mahalski? They are $40 each, fair trade organic cotton and screen printed here in Shelley Bay! Contact [email protected] with your size (S, M, L, XL) and if you want a male or female cut.

tshirts

Or if you have a few dollars spare, please consider donating.

 

And finally, many thanks to Kapiti Commonsense Organics for donating food for the Rebel Camp.