More than 200 protesters gathered outside the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington this afternoon, ahead of the country's biggest petroleum conference, which officially opens tomorrow.
More than 200 protesters have gathered outside the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher
Doctors, grandparents and church leaders were among those protesting and piecing together the petals of a giant sunflower.
The environmental group, 350 NZ, organised the rally and their executive director Niamh O'Flynn said they wanted to stop the New Zealand Petroleum Conference.
"We've seen our hottest summer on record, we're seeing an increase in natural disasters and cyclones and we really are on the edge of climate change.
Some of the protesters carrying the petals of a giant sunflower, which was then pieced together. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher
"At a time where science tells us we need to leave all new fossil fuels in the ground, we can't allow things like this conference to go ahead," she said.
More than 500 people including government officials, industry leaders, international experts and service providers, will attend the conference.
[http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/327171/protesters-dragged-away-from-entrance-of-energy-conference
Last year, 200 protesters] blocked all entrances to the event, which was being held in Taranaki, and when delegates attempted to shift to an alternative venue, they shut that down too.
Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher
