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Greenpeace protest - Source: ONE News -
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Greenpeace maintains nobody's safety was put at risk during the Port of Tauranga standoff over the importation of palm kernel.
Fourteen activists boarded the freighter East Ambition at the port on Wednesday morning and chained themselves to its cargo cranes.
They were protesting Fonterra's importation of palm kernel (PKE) for use as stock feed because of its role in the destruction of rainforests, predominantly in Malaysia and Indonesia.
They were removed by police late on Wednesday night and along with a support crew member, have been charged with unlawfully boarding a ship .
A further protester was arrested as part of the support crew.
They will appear in the Tauranga District Court, within the next week.
Greenpeace spokesman Simon Boxer says the activists involved were extremely well-trained and used top-range climbing equipment.
He says once the ship was brought into port, police were able to use a mobile crane to cut them free so there was no risk to anyone.
Boxer says the activists are pleased they've highlighted what they call Fonterra's climate crime.
However police maintain the actions of the group unnecessarily put lives at risk.
Tauranga Area Commander Inspector Mike Clement says while the protesters may have been confident they were safe and secure, he had to put the lives of his own staff and others at risk to make sure that was the case.
Clement says it's a relief no one was harmed during what was a complex operation.
Palm Kernel Controversy
Greenpeace says it took action because of what it claims is the role of PKE in the destruction of rainforests, predominantly in Malaysia and Indonesia.
They say forests are being cleared for the planting of the trees that produce palm oil.
PKE is a by-product of the palm oil process.
Have the Greenpeace protestors gone too far? Or do you believe in their cause? Share your opinion on our message board below?
Add a Comment:
Post new commentjl555 said on 2009-09-18 @ 02:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
How can John Key say that Fonterra purchasing PKE doesn't contribute to deforestation when it is a valuable part of the profits made from the growing of palm oil plants? His ignorance is consistently astounding.
Janeo said on 2009-09-17 @ 12:04 NZDT: Report abusive post
Greenpeace has brought to the public attention yet another unsustainable business practice. Great publicity stunt. I hope John Key will do a lot more research on the subject deforestation and climate change.
Lanary said on 2009-09-17 @ 10:43 NZDT: Report abusive post
I don't know about in indonesia but in malaysia you view from an aeroplane window as you eye can see, they every where, miles and mile of palm oil tree and even in cambodia the same. I don't know about deforesting. The protest gone a bit too far
jheb2007 said on 2009-09-17 @ 09:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
The calls that palm kernel is just a by-product and that it would just rot on the
stojo01 said on 2009-09-17 @ 09:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
Deforestation to plant Palm Oil trees is a major problem in Indonesia. Whether the kernels are a by product or not makes no difference, they still contribute to the commercial success of the plant. Where is the protest against the use of the palm oil plants primary product.?