Media Release – Auckland Coal Action
Friday 19 October 2012
Tonight, Auckland Coal Action (ACA) will again picket a Solid Energy sponsored NZSO concert at Auckland Town Hall in protest against the national coal miner.
ACA spokesman Tony Dunlop said “Coal does more harm to the environment and people’s health than tobacco ever has. We took a stand against community sponsorship from big tobacco – why do we still tolerate it from coal?”
Solid Energy sponsors the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
“Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel and leading scientists agree that it must stay in the ground if we want to avoid leaving our children and grandchildren with climate chaos.” He commented further.
“Just like all those dirty tobacco companies, Solid Energy is promoting itself as one of the ‘good guys’ through association with our wonderful national orchestra. That’s not OK. They’re not the ‘good guys’.” Mr Dunlop added.
“The NZSO has been compelled to accept dirty sponsorship because of a lack of state funding. We support full state funding for the NZSO and are happy to pay the taxes to support this.” He said.
Mr Dunlop further commented “Before government acted, community organisations refused tobacco sponsorship on moral grounds and that paved the way to a change of legislation. When governments drag their heels, communities must take the lead. And in the case of climate change, there’s no time to lose.”
Auckland Coal Action is an independent community group committed to the ambitious goal of saving future generations from the chaos of runaway climate change.
Ends
Auckland Climate Action 
I think you are all barmy, we will always contine to use coal
Some of us may well be a little barmy, it’s true. However, what is REALLY crazy is continuing to burn coal despite the fact that this threatens the ability of the climate to sustain life as we know it.