Organisers of a rally planned for November 17 to protest a raft of Government changes -- from whitebaiting to mining and farming -- say they believe West Coasters will mass in their thousands. A first protest held 16 months ago at the Taramakau Bridge opening drew 5000 people in protest at the proposal to ban new mines on conservation land. Since then, even more legislation has been announced which has caused concern on the West Coast. Organisers of the rally, titled 'Naturally Together', include Greymouth businessman Peter Haddock and Westland Mayor Bruce Smith. They said today it was a bid to protect the industries that support West Coast towns, communities and way of life.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 04, 2019 21:11 UTC