Farm vehicle ‘hits’ peaceful protester
An activist protesting a 1080 drop outside a farm gate was struck by a farm vehicle in the Westland town of Hari Hari.
Phil Paterson, Dan Lane and Roydon Dick were staging what Lane said was a ‘‘peaceful protest’’ against a 1080 drop on land adjacent to a farm on State Highway 6 on Saturday when Paterson was allegedly struck by a vehicle. A video posted online shows a quadbike-type vehicle turning off the road and apparently striking Paterson, who is in front of the gate.
Paterson can be seen sitting on the ground and then getting to his feet. Lane filmed the incident.
Paterson, a veteran 1080 activist walking the length of the South Island to protest the use of 1080 in New Zealand, was passing through Hokitika when he heard about the planned drop in Hari Hari, his hometown, and decided to see what was going on, Lane said. The three men stood by the farm gate, intending to film the helicopters making the drop when the incident happened, Lane claimed. ‘‘We were there to view the helicopters, and we were standing on the side of the road in front of the security guards that were standing in the way to the farm. Paterson couldn’t get out of the way fast enough.’’
Paterson could not be reached for comment. The extent of his injuries was not known, though in the video he claims the vehicle ‘‘ran over his foot’’. He is seen standing after the incident.
The farmer said the protesters’ claims did not represent what happened. ‘‘They were blocking the driveway; I had to get in and shift my stock. I wasn’t aiming for them, they were hanging on the side of the vehicle.’’
A police spokesperson confirmed a man had been taken to hospital for medical attention.
‘‘A man has been hit by a farm motorbike at Hari Hari in the Westland district during a 1080 protest. The victim originally refused ambulance or medical treatment. The man has since been taken to hospital via ambulance to seek medical attention.’’
Police were understood to be inquiring into the incident.