Climate activists 'drop dead' at Christchurch council meeting to protest airport proposal

December 3, 2020

Extinction Rebellion members are opposed to Christchurch Airport’s purchase of 750 hectares in Central Otago.

Climate activists staged a dramatic intervention at a Christchurch City Council this morning over a proposed new airport. 

Protesting the Christchurch Airport-owned project, Extinction Rebellion and Schools Strike for Climate Change staged a "die in" during the council meeting. 

"This new airport will not be green or sustainable. Not until we achieve low emission aircraft and building practices should these words even inhabit the same word as aircraft," said Schools Strike for Climate Change activist Ciara Foley. 

Falling to the ground and playing dead while surrounded by councillors, the groups expressed their concern over the potential environmental impact if the project goes ahead.  

The airport, which is 75 per cent council owned, announced its plans in July after purchasing 750 hectares of land for a new airport near the Central Otago town of Tarras. 

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