Protesters say 'no' to deep sea oil drilling

May 10th, 2013

The third running of the Hands Across the Sand event protesting deep sea oil drilling off New Zealand coasts will be held next Saturday, May 18th, with a gathering at Motueka Quay.

Hands Across the Sand is a day of global action for coastal communities to unite and say no to deep sea oil drilling off their coasts. About 50 countries are involved. Locally Nelson, Golden Bay and Motueka will all be hosting local Hands Across the Sand events on beaches.

In Motueka, the event is organised by local climate action group, The Renewables. People will meet at the Janie Seddon Shipwreck on Motueka Quay at 12 noon. Children, banners and fun welcome.

"We know raising our voices against these industries is effective," says spokeswoman Tara Forde. "New Zealand said no to nuclear, no to apartheid, and now no to deep sea oil drilling.

"Last year, Anadarko, a prospective driller, pulled out after mass public pressure. The New Zealand government, unfortunately, seems to have decided to hang the economic future of its country onto a fossilised industry.

"Last year, more money worldwide was invested in renewable energy than in fossil fuels. The time is now to look to renewables as sources of energy.

"Aside from the obvious risks of an oil spill, it's imperative for the sake of climate restoration that fossil fuels stay in the ground. We are continuing to oppose new fossil fuel extraction, to call for radical decrease in our energy consumption and a transition to renewables."

For more information visit www.handsacrossthesand.com

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