The Coalition has been occupying DoC land within Solid Energy's 500m blasting exclusion zone to force the coal miner to cease blasting of the area home to the critically endangered Powelliphanta Augustus snail and Great Spotted Kiwi. Yesterday, at the insistence of Solid Energy, DoC declared a 200m exclusion zone on its land in effect between the hours of 5-7pm, four nights a week, to allow Solid Energy to continue its mining of the area.

The Coalition, however, refuses to budge. In a recent media release, a Coalition spokesperson said:

We are disgusted by DOC’s shameful action. DOC is supposed to protect our endangered species, not help mining companies send them to extinction. We will maintain our occupation to stop the blasting. Protecting this habitat is the key to saving this ancient, endemic snail.

The occupiers have also faced constant harassment from Solid Energy security guards. They are under 24 hour surveillance with binoculars and night vision goggles. Worse still, the guards have been discussing whether the occupiers could be taken out by a shotgun, "given a hiding", or raped. At one point, a large digger was placed just above the camp to intimidate the occupiers.

The Coalition is calling on volunteers from around the country to help the occupation in the face of rising State opposition. If you can help, please contact Brian Anderson on 021 1204723 or b.anderson[at]clear.net.nz.

The Wellington Save Happy Valley group is holding a film night for people interested in joining the Mt Augustus or Happy Valley occupations on Friday 16th February at 128 Abel Smith St.