Waikato: Greenpeace climate change activists scale Fonterra dairy factory

Greenpeace activists have scaled Fonterra’s Te Rapa Dairy Factory, unfurling a 160sq m banner.

Seven people have been arrested after Greenpeace protesters scaled Fonterra’s Te Rapa dairy factory this morning to protest the company’s methane emissions.

The protesters unfurled a banner before they abseiled down the windows of the Hamilton building.

“Fonterra’s methane cooks the climate”, the banner read.

A police spokesperson told the Waikato Herald officers responded to a Te Rapa address after a group of people entered an industrial premises just before 7am.

“Several people have abseiled down the milk-drying building placing banners, and one person has let off smoke grenades in the entrance,” the spokesperson alleged.

“Those involved not only placed their own safety at risk but the safety of staff on-site.”

Seven people were arrested following the protest.

“They have been charged with being in an enclosed yard and formally trespassed from the address, they are due to appear in the Hamilton District Court in due course.”

In a Greenpeace press release, spokeswoman Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn said the activists were in Hamilton to call on Fonterra to “end their climate destruction”.

“We have the chance to pull the climate emergency brake by cutting methane emissions now. If the world reduces cow numbers, we can slow down climate change and prevent the worst climate catastrophes.

“As the world’s biggest exporter of dairy products, New Zealand has a huge role to play in this story. That requires us to demand better from our biggest dairy company, Fonterra.”

Deighton-O’Flynn said New Zealand’s dairy herds were sustained through excessive use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser and palm kernel.

“Fonterra could cut methane emissions by ending its reliance on palm kernel, phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, and reducing herd sizes.

“Supporting farmers to shift to more plant-based and ecological farming practices is entirely within Fonterra’s control.”

A Fonterra spokesperson said the company respected the right to protest.

“However, entering one of our manufacturing sites without permission and disrupting operations poses a serious health and safety risk,” the spokesperson said.

“The individuals involved have now been charged with trespass and as the matter is before the courts it’s not appropriate for us to comment further.”

The spokesperson said Fonterra’s climate roadmap, available on the company’s website, “clearly marks” plans to reduce emissions with a goal of reaching net zero by 2050.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.