Kia ora e hoa mā,
July was a busy month for us. We’ve organised two events to raise awareness about the government’s plan to put an LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) import facility in Port Taranaki and made submissions on the Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Bill and the Conservation Amendment Bill. We also made good progress with planning three Taranaki election debates, an educational event on collective climate action and the screening of Earth’s Greatest Enemy.
LNG meeting & protest
The public meeting was held on July 9th, the eve of Puanga Matariki, at St James Presbyterian church in Moturoa, following an invitation by two members of the church. Like many local residents, the couple are concerned that LNG importation would compromise local safety and create more dependence on fossil fuel for energy supply. With 120 people, we filled the church hall and were very pleased with the turnout! At this meeting, a date was set for a rally and protest march from Ngāmotu beach to Port Taranaki.
If you missed the public meeting, you could check out the presentations by Sarah Roberts of Taranaki Energy Watch and Steve Goldthorpe of Sustainable Energy Forum. We also have the recordings of Sarah Roberts, Laura MacKay of Lawyers for Climate Action and Steve Francis of Community Energy Taranaki.
In the lead up to the protest, Port Taranaki sent out a letter to nearby residents announcing the LNG facility will be a floating, storage and regasification vessel permanently moored at the Main Breakwater. This letter and the responses from Taranaki Energy Watch and local residents were well reported by Radio NZ. If you are becoming concerned that LNG import at Port Taranaki is a bad idea, please read and sign our petition.
On Sunday 26th July, nearly 200 people came to the beach. Following brief speeches by MP David MacLeod (in favour of LNG), Labour candidate Amanda Clinton-Gohdes (opposed) and a dozen residents and organisers, voicing their concerns about the LNG plan, the group marched to the Port gate, behind the banner “STOP LNG – Expensive, Dangerous and Unnecessary”. It was a beautiful afternoon and an empowering one.
The wonderful photos of the protest taken by photographer Tania Niwa attracted thousands of views and sadly too many negative, some even violent, comments from people who failed to understand the real issues here.
The brief video we posted drew out even more abhorrent remarks, a sign of a polarised society of people who fail to respectfully listen to one another, especially in the world of social media. To counter this, and to foster connection, mutual respect, learning, manaakitanga and aroha, we are organising a series of kanohi ki te kanohi, face to face events, this month and beyond.
Weekly ‘No LNG’ sign waving, from Monday 3 August
At the beach protest, a local resident made this suggestion. We will make a regular appearance every Monday from 11:30am outside MP David MacLeod’s office (37 Gill Street) and from about noon, at the crossroad between Liardet and Devon in Ngāmotu / New Plymouth CBD. Bring your placard for sign-waving and we’ll hand out some information also.
Taranaki Election Debates, 11th August, Inglewood
We are organising three election debates in the lead-up to the general election in November where local candidates will face the burning questions on climate policy, the environment and social justice. Aspiring MPs will have the opportunity to convince us voters how their policies will address the climate crisis in what we are hoping will be a lively and vigorous but fair and just discussion. Events in New Plymouth, Inglewood and Hāwera ensure that we cover all four Taranaki electorates.
Tue 11 th August, 6pm, Town Hall, Inglewood
Wed 9th September, 5:30pm, Waimanako, 35 Octavius Place, New Plymouth
Thur 10th September, 6pm, Senior Citizens Hall, 81 Victoria Street, Hāwera
Toitū a Taiao: Advancing Collective Action for Climate, 23 August
Join us for an afternoon of connection and collaboration bringing together Taranaki people working for Taiao and social justice.
The program will include games, in-depth discussion, local-organisation presentations, skill-sharing and strategising from 2:00pm till 6:00pm.
Our conversations can continue over a relaxed, catered dinner at 6pm.
There is no charge for this event or for dinner. Registrations are essential
Screening of Earth’s Greatest Enemy by Abby Martin, 30 August
Earth’s Greatest Enemy is the second feature documentary from journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin (Gaza Fights For Freedom), co-directed with her husband, Iraq War Veteran Mike Prysner. The film investigates the planetary and human cost of the US military which operates 800 military bases around the world.
The goals of our event are:
- People waking up (gently and firmly) to global reality
- Awareness of NZ involvement in this whole context
- Making linkages between climate change and military activity
- Finding strength in unity / being together
- People leaving empowered to feel we can do something
Arrive at 12 noon for a light lunch, film starting at 12:30, followed by afternoon tea and panel of discussions. Closing at 15:30pm.
This event is jointly hosted by Taranaki Cathedral, Climate Justice Taranaki, Palestinian Solidarity Taranaki, Taranaki Quakers and World Beyond Wars Aotearoa.
Entry is free. Koha / donations are appreciated. More details and registration here.
Other events, consultations & petitions
Hui ē! Together for the Vote – Training on 5 and 11 August
At the most inspiring Hui ē (recording here)! with Kassie Hartendorp, Riana Te Ngahue, Fleur Fitzsimons and Mike Smith, Action Station emphasized that “Together, we’re capable of building a mega-movement to not only change the government, but set the direction for a future we need in Aotearoa… If you’re serious about Te Tiriti, economic and climate justice, you know the need for real change is stronger than ever.” Action Station is running two training sessions for anyone who are interested:
Training 1: Making a plan for getting people enrolled to vote, 5 August 7:30pm. RSVP here.
Training 2: How to actually get people enrolled and voting through conversation, Tue 11 Aug 12noon. RSVP here.
Economies of Deferral exhibition, Govett-Brewster, opening 8 August
Curated by Simon Gennard and featuring artists Fiona Clark, Matthew Galloway, Ngahuia Harrison, Ho Rui An, Darcy Lange and John Miller, “Economies of Deferral tells a story of development and abandonment from within the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy industry…” The artists’ work “bears witness to, advocates from within, and troubles our understanding of the profound economic, social and political transformations that have shaped the last four decades…” Check out the opening day artists program here.
Consultation: New Plymouth District 10-year Plan and Community Board Plans, close on 12 August
New Plymouth District Council and the five Community Boards are inviting inputs and feedback on their plans. Council’s “goal is to build a more resilient and prosperous district, one where our communities can thrive, infrastructure is fit for the future, and we’re well prepared for the challenges ahead.” So put your thinking cap on and with a bit of critical thinking, offer your ideas on what the 10-year Plan should look like and what you think about the draft Community Board Plans. Do have a read of the drafts before you fill in the surveys because the questions do not cover all aspects of the Plans. At least in the draft Kaitake Community Board Plan survey, there are blank spaces to provide limited (500 characters) comments, so write strategically. All feedback closes on Wed 12 August.
National Day of Action – Hands off Conservation Land, 15 August
Take action to defend conservation land! Join people across Aotearoa in a day of action against the Conservation Amendment Bill. Here’s a map of action for you to find your closest event. Contact us if you have an idea or suggestion of a Taranaki event and like some help organising. In the meantime, sign this petition.
Screening: Fight for the Wild 1- Loss, 25 August
The acclaimed four-part documentary series showcases some of New Zealand’s most ambitious biodiversity and conservation efforts, including the Taranaki Mounga Project, alongside other community-led initiatives from around the country.
The screening will be followed by discussions with passionate local conservation leaders as they share the stories behind Taranaki’s restoration journey, the challenges, the milestones, and their vision for a thriving, biodiverse future.
The first part of the series ‘Loss’ will feature Tāne Houston (Ngāti Tupaia), Chauncy Ardell (Taranaki Regional Council) and Toby Shanley (Te Whanau Toroa).
Get your tickets from the 4th Wall Theatre.
Petition: Stop the Climate Amendment Bill
“We call upon the government to abandon the Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Bill which aims to specifically prevent the important case Smith vsFonterra (and any future claims by any other citizens regarding climate related damages inflicted by companies) and restore the rule of law and separation of powers.”
The National Party / ACT / NZ First coalition government has already removed all previously useful emissions reduction laws and policies, leaving us only with the failed ETS scheme. This Bill is yet another dangerous and draconian attack on our rights and our ability to act on climate change mitigation.
Please stand with Mike Smith and all others who care about our climate and sign this petition.
Kia hauora, kia kaha, kia rangimārie.
Nā,
Climate Justice Taranaki
Climate Justice Taranaki 