Solid Energy previously admitted to hiring Thompson & Clark Investigations Limited (TCIL) [1] after two TCIL employees were discovered spying on the campsite in February.

"Solid Energy has already invaded our privacy, by employing private investigators to hide out watching our camp. Now they are taking photos of people visiting the occupation. If Thompson & Clark Investigations Limited purchased or set up the camera, they are in breach of the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act" [2] said Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson Frances Mountier.

"There is no justification for any employee or contractor of a company owned by the public of New Zealand to spy –with a hidden camera- on people camping on public land."

"Solid Energy's behaviour is nothing short of a disgrace. We have found this camera, but how many others have Solid Energy put out to surveil those who disagree with their policy? To ensure our safety, we demand Solid Energy guarantee that there are no further cameras or spying equipment targeted at members of the Save Happy Valley Coalition, and that they will not attempt underhanded tactics such as this at any time in the future."

"The camera, hard drive and other equipment have been removed from their location and the owners are invited to call and arrange a time to pick it up."

// ENDS

NOTES

[1] Jo Thompson of Thompson & Clark Investigations Limited can be contacted on (09) 302 0113.

[2] The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act 1974 states:

"Every person, who, in the course of or in connection with the business of a private investigator, -

(a) Takes or causes to be taken, or uses or accepts for use, any photograph, cinematographic picture, or videotape recording of another person; or

(b) By any mechanical device records or causes to be recorded the voice or speech of another person, - without the prior consent in writing of that other person, commits and offence [against this act]"