Coal train delayed in Dunedin by Extinction Rebellion protesters

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Extinction Rebellion on tracks at the Dunedin Railway Station.

A coal train was halted for nearly 90 minutes after four climate change activists stood on tracks at the Dunedin Railway Station.

The incident unfolded about 7.30am on Wednesday, when the four stood on railway tracks as a KiwiRail train carrying an estimated 500 tonnes of coal from Western Southland passed through Dunedin.

That train was headed to the Fonterra’s Clandeboye plant in South Canterbury.

The move was dubbed ‘’necessary’’ by Extinction Rebellion in a statement, but police later said it was ‘’not a sanctioned protest’’ by the group.

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The coal train from Western Southland was delayed almost an hour and a half.

Extinction Rebellion held two previous occupations, in December and again in January.

Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen said no-one was arrested in any of the incidents.

However, there was a concern with the latest protest.

“[The protesters] have to realise that these trains can’t stop. They are putting themselves and everyone else at risk.’’

Liam Scaife, of Extinction Rebellion, confirmed the four protesters were from the group. They delayed the train for 90 minutes before ‘’making a controlled exit’’.

The activists were angry the state-owned KiwiRail continuing to contribute to the ‘’destruction of our planet and its people’’.

The activists demanded that KiwiRail stop hauling coal immediately, otherwise they would continue to take disruptive action, Scaife said.

A KiwiRail spokeswoman said it became aware of protest activity in the rail corridor near the St Andrews Street rail crossing, and “all inbound and outbound train services from Dunedin were halted as a result’’.

“We are always concerned for the safety of anyone who trespasses on to railway tracks or into our terminals, and this situation is being managed by the police.”