19 people arrested as anti-coal protesters stop coal train in Christchurch

Friday, 9 August 2019

Extinction Rebellion members occupied railway lines in Christchurch in protest of the continued use of coal nationally and internationally. (Video first published August 9, 2019)

Nineteen people have been arrested after climate change protesters chained themselves to railway tracks in Christchurch.

About 30 members of Extinction Rebellion locked themselves to the tracks near Brougham St, in Woolston, to stop a West Coast coal train from reaching Lyttelton Port on Friday morning.

Police took 19 people into custody as the four hour protest drew to a close. At least half of those arrested were released without charge, with police issuing warnings and trespass notices.*

Extension Rebellion protesters block the railway line near Brougham St, Christchurch, on Friday.

Extinction Rebellion spokeswoman Siana Fitzjohn said the train was targeted to highlight the group's opposition to the use of coal.

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The demonstration marked the start of a campaign of direct action, she said.

Graham Townsend stands with protesters on the railway lines near the intersection of Garlands Rd and Brougham St, Christchurch, on Friday.

'This is the launch of our rebellion against coal. We are here to say coal is over in New Zealand.

'We are in the middle of a climate emergency and we should not be digging coal out of the ground – we should not be using it locally and we should not be shipping it overseas.'

The protesters believe coal should not be used locally or shipped overseas.

She said drastic times required drastic measures.

'We have called the railway company to notify them that there are people on the tracks but the bravery of people is because the stakes are getting really high.

Protesters bang drums and sing songs, while others lock themselves to a railway line to block a coal train reaching Lyttelton Port on Friday.

'Everyone out there on the tracks knows what the risks are, staying out to say coal has got to go.'

About six officers were in attendance while a further 100 campaigners stood on a grass verge 3 metres from the tracks.

Among those protesting was 69-year-old retired chemistry teacher Graham Townsend who got involved in environmental campaigning after researching climate change data.

'I don't think people realise how urgent it is,' he said.

'The action needs to come from the Government but that won't change unless the need comes from the public. It's important people lobby and write to their MP.

'I thought [today] went reasonably well, it made an impact with the public and the media.'

A Lyttelton Port spokesman said all train movements to and from the port had been stopped because of the protest.

KiwiRail chief operating officer Todd Moyle said the company respected people's right to protest but safety was the prime concern on the rail network.

'It is simply not safe for people to be on the rail network without permission, whatever their motives.

'Trains are big, fast and cannot stop quickly. People are free to protest outside the rail corridor. With anyone who is in the corridor without permission we contact police, and it is for them to manage the incident.'

He said five services were affected.

'We regret the inconvenience to our customers, but the delays are unavoidable. Safety must be our top priority.'

* Since this story was published, police have advised that all the protesters were released on pre-charge warnings.