Coal train protest

I WAS one of the Extinction Rebellion who stopped the coal train in Dunedin (ODT, 29.1.21).

These protests have been the subject of some criticism from Otago Daily Times readers.

Some people asked why we were targeting KiwiRail rather than Bathurst (which produces the coal) or Fonterra (which burns it).

We made it very clear in our press release that we see KiwiRail as being a valuable partner in transitioning to a carbon neutral economy. We just want it to stop transporting coal. Both those other organisations have been targeted and will be again in the future.

Others criticised us for using cars and wearing highvisibility plastic jackets and helmets.

People seem to think that because we’re sometimes forced to use some petrol/plastics during an action, we’re hypocrites. This is a bit like saying that because you’re a member of society, you can’t lobby for any changes in society (because you’re part of it).

We were also criticised for stopping other rail traffic, but during both protests, two other trainloads of goods weren’t stopped.

Finally, many people seem to assume we’re unemployed layabouts, but in the group who stopped the train were students, retirees, lawyers, builders, carers, IT professionals, artists and academics.

We are trying to raise awareness that our planet is dying, our children are at risk and much more needs to be done if our ecosystem is going to survive the 21st century.

Bruce Mahalski

Dunedin Central