January 15, 2013
Rainbow Warrior launching festival
The Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior II will today kick off a five day East Cape environmental festival that will culminate with a concert at Te Kaha on Sunday.
Greenpeace joined with Te Whanau a Apanui to protest offshore prospecting by Brazilian company Petrobras, and today’s visit to Whangaparaoa cements those links.
The rest of the week will also include workshops, hui and films.
Co-ordinator Ora Barlow says Ngā Toka Tu Moana (the rock that holds steadfast) festival will celebrate last year’s victory, with Petrobras deciding against further oil exploration in the Raukumara Basin.
But she says the Government is still pushing for onshore oil and gas exploration in the Raukumara Forest, and the festival is a way to raise awareness and plan further action.
Sunday’s concert will be headlined by veteran poly-funk band Ardijah, with support from 1814, Majic, and New Zealand’s Got Talent 2013 finalist Mihirangi.
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