For immediate Release

Ocean Conservation Groups Defend The Right To Protest At Sea.

Conservation Groups KASM (Kiwis Against Seabed Mining) and the Surfbreak Protection Society (SPS) have joined together to oppose The Government proposed amendments to the Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill.

KASM and SPS believe the Bill severely curtails New Zealanders rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.

Both Ocean Conservation Groups are deeply concerned that the Bill is being pushed through the House, there was no prior public warning of these new laws and they are to be passed within days of their announcement without select committee scrutiny and without any other public consultation or process.

KASM and SPS are concerned that a peaceful paddle out on a surfboard could land their members with huge fines.

In this situation a person on a non powered craft (e.g. a surfboard) being in the path of a powered vessel could face fines up to $50,000 or a 12 month jail term.

Our societies believe this Bill is an overreaction by Energy Resource Minister Simon Bridges, It is punitive, undemocratic, and an affront against New Zealands proud history of peaceful protest at sea.

Our Societies encourage New Zealanders to make the right choice when reading the petition hosted on the Greenpeace website to:

Defend the Right to Peaceful Protest at Sea: Reject The Anadarko Amendment.

Paul Shanks

Presdent – Surfbreak Protection Society Inc.

Phil McCabe

Chairperson – KASM

Ends.