Extinction Rebellion protestors chain themselves to fertiliser depot's gate

Monday, 31 August 2020

Protesters from Extinction Rebellion bolted themselves to the fence at the Richmond Ravensdown fertiliser plant on Monday.

About 20 protestors have halted the distribution of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser in Richmond, citing the pollution of rivers and lakes, and agricultural greenhouse gas emissions driving the climate crisis.

The Extinction Rebellion activists have been locked on to closed gates since dawn on Monday at the entrance and exit of the depot owned by Ravensdown, preventing trucks from distributing what protestors say are highly polluting chemicals that are hazardous to the environment.

A Stuff reporter on the scene about 8am said police were in attendance, although the protest had been peaceful and not all protesters had bolted themselves to the gates.

There had so far been no sign of Ravensdown staff near the gates and no trucks had arrived at the plant by 9am.

The scene at the western gate at dawn after the arrival of the first police car.

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Around 20 protesters blocked the entrance with a number also chaining themselves to the gate.

A police spokeswoman said staff had been in attendance at the protest action since about 7.15 am on Monday.

“The priority for police is to ensure safety and uphold the law, while recognising the lawful right to protest,” she said.

“Police will respond appropriately to any issues that may arise.”

Michael Apathy was one of several who had come from Christchurch to take part in the protest.

Sitting chained to the entrance gates, he said he was prepared to be arrested to highlight the cause as synthetic fertilisers were “terrible” for the environment.

Nelson woman Anne Smith, 72, was also bolted to the gates and said she was protesting for the sake of future generations – particularly her three-week-old great-grandson.

“I want him to be able to swim in the rivers, I want him to have good food, fresh water and to live a happy, healthy life.”

“Phosphates were ruining our waters, she said.

In a statement sent to media on Monday morning, Extinction Rebellion Whakatū campaigner Te Wehi Ratana said the Government needed to phase out synthetic fertiliser and limit the pollution resulting from industrial agriculture.

“Today we’re making a stand against the synthetic fertiliser that’s degrading our water and driving the climate crisis. Intensive dairying is the country’s biggest climate polluter. It’s time for change, for the sake of nature and for future generations.”

Ravensdown spokesman Gareth Richards said the protest had been carried out in a peaceful and safe manner.

Transport companies visiting the site had been informed of the situation and notified of potential delays to services.

“It is a quiet time for us at the moment as our busy season hasn’t kicked off yet.”

Because the factory was close to a busy stretch of road, “making sure of everyone’s safety was our biggest concern.”

Richards said the company was always open to dialogue with anyone regarding its business and had previously invited organisations such as Greenpeace to visit its sites.

Ravensdown promoted the optimisation of fertiliser use.

It was “disappointing” to see the protest taking place at a time when farmers export dollars were helping with the Covid-19 economic recovery.

“It’s a shame for the guys working inside the store that they have some people outside saying ‘we don’t think what you do is an essential service, but we also think that you’re working with is something you shouldn’t be using at all’.”