First published on 
By Sharon Davis*
Two Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters used the aerial rope way down to Ngakawau to access a coal bucket for a sit-in protest. Photo: Supplied
The two climate change activists hunkered down under tarpaulins in an aerial coal bucket at Stockton say they're in good spirits.
On Sunday, Climate Liberation Aotearoa protesters used the ropeway cable to access a coal bucket in a remote area high off the ground, effectively stopping coal transport from Stockton down to the rail link at Ngakawau.
Their aim is to get Bathurst Resources Limited to withdraw a fast-track application to extend its mining operations on the Stockton and Denniston plateaux.
Despite persistent rain today, protester Rach Andrews said they had woken up "pretty dry and cozy" this morning and planned to stay "a bit longer".
She said they had created a water-tight shelter, and the fact they were not in a huge space helped to keep them warm.
They might not be getting the best night's sleep, but they were getting some sleep.
Andrews said police negotiators had been in contact with Climate Liberation Aotearoa's police liaison for a few chats, but she had not had personal contact from the police or the mine staff - and the protest was set to continue.
"We're not coming down today. While Bathurst continues to endanger the beautiful life on Denniston there's going to be opposition. We're here to show strong opposition."
Andrews said they were eating energy bars and delicious homemade dehydrated meals that she had prepared for the protest.
She said the mine had sirens going "the entire time" for the April protest but they hadn't been used for this protest yet.
She knew she would be facing legal consequences but was not sure exactly what they entailed. She was among nine protesters charged with trespass following the April protest. Seven of them, including Andrews, have pleaded not guilty.
Climate protesters should not have to face criminal charges while the government limited the public's right to give input, Andrews said.
"If a charge and having to go to court is the consequence - it's worth taking to reduce the harm for future generations and life on the planet."
Andrews said the next protest on 8 August would target at least seven ANZ branches. She said ANZ was the last bank in New Zealand with no plan to move away from servicing businesses involved in fossil fuels.
Bathurst Resources chief executive Richard Tacon said the company's primary concern was for the safety of the protesters.
Bathurst had become aware of people trespassing on Stockton Mine infrastructure at Ngakawau on Monday and notified the police, WorkSafe, and the Department of Conservation as the landowner, Tacon said.
The trespassers had entered the mine illegally and might not be aware of the hazards at the mine.
"Bathurst is working with police on the next steps to secure as soon as possible the safety of the trespassers. When we have more information, we will provide an update," he said.
Bathurst Resources employs about 675 people in New Zealand and operates mines in the Waikato, the West Coast, and Southland. Stockton mine employs about 350 people plus 75 full-time contractors. It produces high-quality metallurgical coal for export to key steel making customers in Japan, India and South Korea.
Bathurst is preparing an environmental assessment for the Buller Plateaux Continuation Project, as part of its application under the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024. If approved the project will extend mining operations at the Stockton mine by another 25 years.
*This story originally appeared in the Westport News.
