Who Does And Who Doesn't Want Megadump
posted 17th August 2000

This Saturday, people who oppose the Meremere Megadump are invited to picket Shell Oil petrol stations in Hamilton, to bring attention to the role the oil company is playing behind Envirowaste's proposed development. The picket will call for a mass boycott of Shell Oil by Waikato people concerned at the health and ecological consequences of building Aotearoa's largest Megadump 500 metres from the Waikato river. Shell NZ owns 35.4 million shares in Fulton Hogan, who will control 50% of the Meremere Megadump.

Last month's DUMP THE DUMP Hikoi marched through Rangiriri, Huntly and Taupiri, (see p-tv report for 25 July) in a seven and a half hour trek across the Waikato that saw its numbers swell from 20 to 200. Led by the "Dump Metrowater" Fire engine of Auckland's Water Pressure Group, it united Tainui Maori with local environmentalists, the Green Party, the SWO and individuals outraged at the possible ecological destruction of the Waikato river. There were emotive scenes when the Hikoi entered Ngarawhahia Council Chambers, where Waikato District Mayor Angus Mc Donald and his cohorts faced a roasting from the determined and furious marchers. "Once this Dump goes through, there is no going back.

Future generations will look back on this Council and ask the question- why? Who were these men who allowed the river to be poisoned? You already have a disaster on your hands with the leachate entering the river from Huntly." said Hikoi organiser Wendy Finlayson, who is taking the Council to court in Hamilton on September the 4th. "It's apparent you have ignored the wishes of the people of the Waikato", added Penny Bright of the Water Pressure Group "and when politicians ignore the wishes of the people, then the only language they understand is when we take matters into our own hands. If this Dump is not cancelled, civil disobedience and direct action is both justified and necessary" she said to rousing cheers.

There were 324 submissions against the MegaDump, and only four for. Campaigners fear, however, that the forces of profit have had more influence over the local council than the concerns of the people. EnviroWaste and its backers, Fulton Hogan and the Shell Oil Company, stand to make a $2 billion from their "waste management" operation if this MegaDump goes through. The Hikoi was adamant that this was a battle of people against profit, planet against pollution. They were also shocked at the local council's lack of consultation, sharing of information or regard for local democracy. The Dump the Dump campaign is now looking for wider support and a petition, especially in Auckland whose major water supply pipeline will come just 2km downstream from the Dump in 2002. .