Protest action over bank's support for mining

December 5th, 2013
[Press release]

The Renewables of Motueka will be supporting Coal Action Network Aotearoa outside Westpac bank tomorrow (Friday) protesting Westpac's financial support of Bathurst Resource's intention to mine the magnificent Denniston plateau on the west coast.

Bathurst Resources is a 90% Australian owned coal mining company which recently registered in New Zealand so that it can legally claim to be a NZ company.

The Renewables say Denniston is a unique location of significant environmental value and is home to many rare plants and creatures unknown elsewhere.

"Westpac is financing Bathurst to the sum of $5m to begin open cast mining operations which will destroy substantial parts of the Denniston plateau to produce 84 million tonnes of coal for export," they say. "This will also increase climate instability and continue to make the world a more dangerous place for all."

The add that Westpac claims to be "committed to a lower carbon economy" so The Renewables intend to educate the bank and its customers what this really means, and encourage people who care about climate change, the environment, and the future of the planet to take their business to companies that are "walking the talk" by divesting from fossil fuels.

CANA and The Renewables say they want Westpac to "practice what it preaches around sustainability, recognise that we cannot ever achieve climate stability or future prosperity whilst increasing carbon emissions, and take a moral stand against Bathurst by refusing to finance climate change".

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel,
Greenwood Active Health, Lynette Mytton,