Disrupt the Gas NZ Forum (Christchurch)

Nau mai, Hāere mai, Tautoko mai.

The NZ Gas Forum (ie a Fossil Fuel Conference) is coming to Ōtautahi/Christchurch on 30 October to 1 November to promote the expansion of gas in Aotearoa/NZ. They want more gas, more profit and more destruction. We want a future. We are in a climate emergency. Gas is not a transition fuel. There is no room for any fossil fuels in our future. People around the world are saying “ENOUGH” to gas and other polluting industries, and so are we.

The natural gas industry is as bad as the coal industry for climate change; the powerful greenhouse gas methane leaks into the atmosphere from across the distribution system.

Come join us as we show the fossil fuel industry that business as usual is over! We, Extinction Rebellion Ōtautahi, are working together to organise a strong *and* non-violent opposition to the 2019 NZ Gas forum.

Join our Non-Violent Direct Action TRAINING (NVDA) and BRIEFING on WEDNESDAY 30 October from 6pm to 9pm at the South Brighton Community Center, 74 Beatty Street, South New Brighton, Christchurch.

*When*: The main day we are asking people to take action is the first full day of the forum, Thursday 31 October, although there will be other events happening in the lead-up to, and during the forum – so watch this space!

*What*: We will peacefully resist the gas industry by using people power to delay and disrupt the conference as much as possible. We are committed to strict non-violence – this will be a peaceful protest. There will be something for everyone on the day with different levels of engagement- from singing through to direct action- and plenty of other roles and activities.

*Who*: As many people as we can muster! The climate justice movement is strong and growing in Te Waipounamu and Aotearoa in general and we are motivated to use the forum as a stepping stone to bigger and better things (including protecting our waters from OMV)! The more people that come along the more impact we will have, all are welcome!

*What can you do now?* Rally your crew, book the time off work, make travel plans. We will do our best to facilitate carpooling to Ōtautahi, to set you up with accommodation and to make sure you are supported before, during and after the action. The briefing before the main event will happen in conjunction with the NVDA training on Wednesday 30 October. If you can’t wait to find our more about why gas (and not just oil and coal) is a huge issue, you’ll find this excellent NZ Herald article by Jeanette Fitzsimons worth reading!

Let us know if you can help in any way in the preparation. Simply email us ([email protected])
We need support with media, fundraising, accommodation, transport, creative elements (placards, noise making devices) and more.

Anyone who’d like to help us fund our preparations can do so at Kiwibank: XROtautahiChristchurch, ac. number 38-9002-0331592-07.

We’ve got a first banner painting session planned for this Sunday (20th). See you 5pm @ 24 Hopkins Street, Woolston.

For more info the minerals forum website is here: http://www.gasnz.org.nz/nz-gas-industry/news-and-events/events