Methyl Bromide Protests in New Zealand
Methyl Bromide Protests
A newly formed Coalition against the use of Methyl Bromide is holding a nationwide series of protests to oppose the use of this extremely toxic gas at New Zealand ports. Methyl Bromide is 60 times more destructive to the ozone than the chlorine from CFCs. It is also a serious health hazard and exposure to Methyl Bromide may have been the cause of the death of six port workers in Nelson.
Despite New Zealand ratifying the the Montreal Protocol which commits member countries to phasing out the use of Methyl Bromide, New Zealand’s usage has increased over the years.
The coalition is calling for the use of Methyl Bromide to be totally phased out and until that time recaptured using cost effective recapture technology, to protect the health of the workers and reduce the harm done to the ozone. Green MP Sue Kedgley and union representatives will speak at the protests.
Protest Schedule
Picton
Date: Friday April 23
Time: 12.00
Location: Shakespeare Bay Lookout
(meet at Le Café, London Quay, 10.45am for a march to Port Marlborough Offices, then you will be bused up to the look out for speeches etc)
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Map - http://bit.ly/9tNucR
Wellington
Date: Monday April 26
Time: 12.00
Location: The footpath outside of the Bluebridge entrance
(Waterloo quay, over the road from the railway station)
Map - http://bit.ly/9MqJ2R
Tauranga
Date: Wednesday April 28
Time: 12.00
Location: Corner of Totara St and Hull Rd. It is the first intersection from the wharf.
Map - http://bit.ly/aZW3US
The Coalition includes the following organisations:
Soil and Health New Zealand Association
The Green Party
The Rail and Maritime Transport Union
Council of Trade Unions
The Safe Food Campaign
Guardian of the Sounds
The Pesticide Action Network
Maritime Union New Zealand
Friends of Nelsonhaven and Tasman Bay