World walker joins Happy Valley occupation

Austrian-born Gregor has already covered 13,000 kilometers on his hike around the world encouraging people to live sustainably. Now he is making a 400 kilometer detour from his planned route across New Zealand to support the campaign to save Happy Valley.

What: A group walk up the West Coast from Greymouth to the Happy Valley occupation site as part of the first worldwide walk for sustainability, community events along the way

Why: Campaign against possible coal mining in Happy Valley, encourage West Coast community to continue their care of the local environment, sharing stories and experiences, promote sustainable use of resources

Who: Gregor Sieboeck (walking), Danyl Strype (media liason), Save Happy Valley Campaigners, Westcoast community, Solid Energy

Where/When:
Greymouth to Punakaki: January 28 (departing 1:45pm)
Punakaki to Westport: January 29 and 30
(Arriving Westport 3pm)
Westport to Happy Valley: January 31
Happy Valley occupation: February 1

How: step by step

Contact for interviews:
Danyl Strype strypey@enzyme.org.nz
Gregor Sieboeck gregorquito@gmx.at

Text:
In late January Coasters are invited to join world wide walker Gregor Sieboeck for a community walk from Greymouth to Happy Valley the proposed site for the Cypress coal mine. Austrian-born Gregor has already covered 13,000 kilometers on his hike around the world encouraging people to live sustainably. Now he is making a 400 kilometer detour from his planned route across New Zealand to support the campaign to save Happy Valley.
"“I would love to have everyone from the local community walk with me to share stories and experiences",” says Gregor.

On Saturday January 28 the walk will start in Greymouth in the early afternoon, arriving 3pm Monday in Westport. On Tuesday a family walk will leave Westport for Happy Valley. Gregor says, "“I encourage people to share car rides or use their bike if they need transport to join the walk. Everyone can make a difference.”"

During his rest stop in Westport Gregor hopes he and his companions can create a space for local people to share ideas about caring for their environment. When asked how this walk could contribute to a sustainable future for our planet, Gregor laughs and replies, "“step by step"”.

Related

http://www.globalchange.at/

http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/