Our response to Grant Robertson’s response to Restore Passenger Rail

Action not vandalism

On 15 December, Restore Passenger Rail left their mark on Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson’s electorate office. (Also targeted were the electorate offices of Transport Minister Michael Wood, Energy Minister Megan Wood, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark, and National MP Michael Woodhouse.)

So what did the activists do? They sprayed water-soluble red paint on the windows, onto three figures wearing “DENIAL = DEATH” t-shirts.

Robertson said it was extremely disappointing his Wellington office was vandalised.

We have just responded to Grant Robertson’s claim that Restore Passenger Rail vandalised his office. Because actually, acts of vandalism require destruction of property (or permanent defacing). 

Given Grant Robertson’s refusal to meet with us, from Fridays For Future, earlier in the year at his electoral office, we wonder – is this what’s needed to get his attention focused onto acting on the climate crisis?

Protesting through the holiday season – update

As we always say, climate change doesn’t stop over Christmas and New Year – and neither will we!

With all Fridays at Parliament, if the weather is going to be terrible we’ll go to Midland Park instead – check here on the morning if not sure.

DateProtest location
23/12/2022 Midland Park
30/12/2022Now at Midland Park because of the rain
6/1/2023Parliament Lawn (despite rain!)
13/1/2023Midland Park
20/1/2023Parliament Lawn (Midland Park if bad weather)
27/1/2023Midland Park

What’s coming up in December

Remember to check the EcoKiwi Magazine Poneke to find out what’s going on climate-wise in Welly.

Here’s a snapshot for the first couple of weeks in December –

December

1 Thursday Gareth Hughes of the Economic Wellbeing Alliance:
Pathway to Survival webinar, 7pm

2 Friday Fridays For Future: Midland Park, 12.30-1.30pm

3 Saturday Open Day/ 2000 Bikes Celebration:
EkeRua ReBicycle, 46 Russell Tce, Newtown3-7pm

5 Monday

6 Tuesday Giving Tuesday: Action Station

All We Want is Affordable Passenger Rail: Restore Passenger Rail, Parliament grounds, 3:45-5pm

Wellington Cycling: Monthly meeting, Sustainability Trust, 6pm

7 Wednesday No New Mines! Parliament grounds, Forest & Bird, 12 noon

8 Thursday Nature Play Day, Karori Park, 3.30 – 6.30

Our Responsibilities at This Time: Restore Passenger Rail, 7-8:30pm

Jane Kelsey, Handcuffed by trade agreements?
Pathway to Survival webinar, 7pm

9 Friday Fridays For Future: Parliament grounds, 12.30-1.30pm

13 Tuesday Giving Tuesday: Action Station

15 Thursday NVDA training, Restore Passenger Rail; details TBC

16 Friday Fridays For Future: Midland Park, 12.30-1.30pm