WHEN IT RAINS….

As this newsletter comes out, Ōtautahi is living through another extreme weather event. After months of drought we now have long periods of heavy rain and flooding – in south and mid Canterbury this has been 6 months worth of rain in 24 hours. Take care all.

THE WATER FIGHT CONTINUES – ECAN’S ROLLOVER OF BIG IRRIGATION CONSENTS

This has reached the “immovable object meets an irresistible force” stage, as ECan say they can’t reverse the decision to renew this consent without attracting lawsuits, while XRŌ and other water campaigners are determined to keep pushing.

What you can do:

  • Ring/email/visit your Labour MP and tell them to reverse this decision.This is an emergency! Act like it! Mahia te mahi!
  • Ring/email/visit your local ECan councillors and tell them much the same.

Our elected reps can only act if they are pushed – that is what citizens are for. We are citizens. Lets push! We are up against the vested interests of Big Dairy who certainly don’t stop pushing to get what they want.

BLOCKADE AT BALLANCE

Saturday was a big day for action across Aotearoa. In Tauranga, Western Sahara Solidarity Aotearoa and Extinction Rebellion successfully blockaded the Headquarters of Ballance Agri-nutrients at Mt Maunganui. Rebels were standing up to Ballance for their crimes against indigenous peoples; the people of Whareroa Marae are being poisoned by Ballance daily, and a ship of stolen phosphate from the indigenous people of Western Sahara is due to arrive in the Port of Tauranga.

There were about 40 people in attendance, with tripods blocking the entrance, along with people chained across the main gate. Within the first hour of the protest multiple Ballance contractors rammed their vehicles into protesters. Protestors were knocked to the ground and one had his leg caught under the front bumper of a car as a contractor tried to force his way into the plant.

Sunday ended with a victory – Mark Wynne CEO of Ballance agreed to meet with the Western Sahara Ambassador if blockading ceases, which rebels have been requesting for years. A huge win!

Check out this story on Stuff.

NGĀ REO O TE AO MĀRAMA: VOICES OF THE EARTH

Voices were raised in song on Saturday at the inspiring concert organised by XRŌ’s Singing for our Lives choir. The evening was a night of music, film and poetry, connecting with the collective challenges we face and being reinspired to respond in caring actions for a liveable world.

Performers included: Singing for our Lives, Women in Harmony, Global Voices, Lisa Tui, Lucy Gray, Myro McKee, Erik Kennedy, Kathleen Gallagher, Geoff Low and Nicole Reddington.

Donations are still being accepted for an ecological restoration project at givealittle

You can read more on Stuff and check out these YouTube clips by Mahi Pai Media – Aotearoa.

COMING UP IN ŌTAUTAHI AND AOTEAROA

CHRISTCHURCH CONVENTION SERIES

The first event, Moving Around a 21st Century City was cancelled due to the crazy weather, but more will be coming. Presented by Te Pūtahi – Christchurch Centre for Architecture and City-making, in partnership with Christchurch City Council, the Christchurch Conversation series aims to make it easy, desirable and fun for everybody to participate in the shaping and enjoyment of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events

GET YOUR SPRING ACTION ON

The Kōanga/Spring Rebellion 2021 will be held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington over 3 days in September. The exact dates will be confirmed soon – have an input into that through the rebel survey.

There’s lots to do and we’re looking for people who could help with –

  • Art/music – maybe you are a great song carrier or can help make stencils or costumes.
  • Accommodation/kai – are you super systematic? maybe you can manage registrations and ensure everyone has a place to stay.
  • Fundraising/finance – are you great at making budgets, or have experience/knowledge of crowdfunding?
  • Regenerative cultures/wellbeing – do you have experience in facilitating the Work That Reconnects, meditation, listening circles, empathy cafes? Are you great at creating chill-out spaces and areas for people to retreat to? Maybe your gift is being a welcoming warm face for people to check in with if they need support.
  • Arrestee Support – maybe you can create a welcoming space for people post-arrest?
  • De-escalation/NVC – maybe your gift is talking to people who don’t agree with we are doing. Maybe you are really good at meeting people where they are.
  • Design – are you great at creating posters and flyers.
  • And more…..

Contact Rachael for more info – [email protected]

ART FOR REVOLUTION

Calling all artists and creative people, the planet/climate needs you. Whether you’re a Banksy or you just love to doodle, you like having fun with fabric or something else again – whatever the case, we in XR would love to meet you and your rebellious art.

Come and join us and express your love for the planet and your environmental outrage and find out WHAT WE CAN DO, including:

  • Street/guerilla art including posters, painting, installation and chalking
  • Mask and puppet making
  • Costumes, Banners,
  • Simple self expression
  • Something else entirely

Introductory workshop – Sunday 27 June. 2-5pm. Phillipstown Community Hub. Cost – Minimal

To register contact Juliet Neill on 021 0327014 or [email protected]

THE XR TALK RETURNS! – Friday 4 June 7-9pm at WEA

The Talk on the first Friday of the month was a place where XR newbies could meet us, discover what XR was on about and figure out if and how they get involved. Since COVID this meeting place has lapsed and it’s not so easy for newbies to connect with the many things that XRŌ rebels are doing.

So we’re trying out a new Talk and introduction to XRO.

Old hands and newbies both – we’d love your feedback!

  •  What would make it easier for you to get involved in XRO activities?
  • What do you get out of being involved? What works, doesn’t work so well?

Contact Rebecca 021 2966 045 if you’d like to get involved in the Talk, taking the Talk to other groups, and/or helping devise ways for orienting newbies to XR.

REGULAR XRO MEETUPS

Heartbeat – Friday 11 June, 7pm – 9pm at WEA, 59 Gloucester St. Held on 2nd and 4th Friday of each month, Heartbeat is where you can meet up with other rebels, find out what’s happening and get involved. All welcome! Facebook event here.

Christchurch City Council vigil – every Friday 12 noon – 1pm on the Worcester St side of CCC building. Meet other rebels, plan potential CCC actions, talk to passing councillors, staff & public. Contact David G (027 222 5701) if you’d like to get his text reminders.

ECan vigil – every Thursday 12.30 – 1.30pm outside ECan, 200 Tuam St, Otautahi. Meet other rebels, plan potential ECan actions, talk to passing councillors, staff & public. Contact David G (027 222 5701) if you’d like to get his text reminders.

Action circle – meets Wednesday nights, open to anyone who’s been on an XRŌ action – contact Michael for more info – 021 0264 7594.

Singing for our Lives – activist choir meeting monthly. Next rehearsal Saturday 12 June 2pm to 4pm, Phillipstown Community Hub, 39 Nursery Rd. New members welcome – contact Valerie [email protected], 027 568 5515. Follow us on Facebook. Become an XRŌ Song Carrier!

In love and rage
Torfrida, Rachel and Dave for XR Ōtautahi Christchurch

Anyone who’d like to donate to our XR Ōtautahi Christchurch group can do so at Kiwibank: XROtautahiChristchurch, ac. number 38-9002-0331592-07