World Dairy Summit 2010
November 2010
During the week of 8th to 11th November a World Dairy Summit has been held at Skycity Convention Center in Auckland. Below are our action reports and images.
For more information about dairy farming click here.
During the week of 8th to 11th November a World Dairy Summit has been held at Skycity Convention Center in Auckland. Below are our action reports and images.
For more information about dairy farming click here.
Report: Day One and Two
Fonterra and the World Dairy Summit claims of sustainability have been challenged by the Coalition Against the World Dairy Summit over the past two days. Reports in the mainstream media say there was a record turnout of around 2200 delegates from 66 different countries, this should reflect the massive scale that dairy is currently playing in the New Zealand and global economy.
Members of the CAWDS and concerned members of the public held demonstrations outside Skycity where the conference is held, as well as at the Maritime Museum and Auckland War Memorial Museum where the dinners were held.
On Monday morning, the first day of the Summit, we were met with security, police and journalists. We handed out information to the public and the delegates about why we oppose the dairy industry. Some delegates stopped for conversations. When the reality of the dairy industry was explained to delegates from overseas, some of them were shocked to know that over 1 million calves are killed every year as a waste by-product of the dairy industry, one delegate from Brazil said they have similar problems with pollution of waterways, water usage and deforestation for the dairy industry. However, most of the overseas delegates just stopped and took photos.
Monday evening, we met them at the Maritime Museum where they were having dinner. Bus-loads of delegates come off and through the protests, fences were put up around the entry and it was heavily guarded by security. Some of the security guards event tried some homemade vegan cake and was “surprised” it had no dairy and egg products.
The mainstream news coverage of the demonstrations were minimal, although it is suspicious how one article on stuff.co.nz with the original headline, “Protestors converge at dairy summit” changed to “Record turnouts at dairy summit” later in the day and the article changed entirely censoring quotes from a CAWDS spokesperson. Meanwhile, Federated Farmers crafted a press release telling dairy protesters to “get a real job (like farming)”. Climate Camp have released a response inviting Federated farmers to take their own advice.
Today, Animal Freedom Aotearoa released an investigation into the dairy industry highlighting the exploitation of dairy cows, mass slaughter of baby calves, environmental impacts of dairy farming and health benefits of going dairy free.
Demos were held throughout the day today from morning to evening. During lunchtime, we marched from Skycity to Fonterra headquarters on Princes St and sent a message to Fonterra that we don’t accept their lies about sustainability and nutrition and that we know the whole story of milk from the view of dairy cows and calves. Afterwards, we marched back down to Queen St where a lot of people came up to talk to us, took photos and asked for more information. Many people expressed their support. We ended up running out of flyers, 1600 leaflets went out in a day and half. This evening, the delegates were having their dinner at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. We gathered there early to meet them upon arrival, about 3-4 bus loads of delegates arrived at the museum and we met with chants like “dairy polluters, animal abusers” and “milk production, ecological destruction” as well as “cows with guns” blasting out from the wheelie bin stereo.
Members of the CAWDS and concerned members of the public held demonstrations outside Skycity where the conference is held, as well as at the Maritime Museum and Auckland War Memorial Museum where the dinners were held.
On Monday morning, the first day of the Summit, we were met with security, police and journalists. We handed out information to the public and the delegates about why we oppose the dairy industry. Some delegates stopped for conversations. When the reality of the dairy industry was explained to delegates from overseas, some of them were shocked to know that over 1 million calves are killed every year as a waste by-product of the dairy industry, one delegate from Brazil said they have similar problems with pollution of waterways, water usage and deforestation for the dairy industry. However, most of the overseas delegates just stopped and took photos.
Monday evening, we met them at the Maritime Museum where they were having dinner. Bus-loads of delegates come off and through the protests, fences were put up around the entry and it was heavily guarded by security. Some of the security guards event tried some homemade vegan cake and was “surprised” it had no dairy and egg products.
The mainstream news coverage of the demonstrations were minimal, although it is suspicious how one article on stuff.co.nz with the original headline, “Protestors converge at dairy summit” changed to “Record turnouts at dairy summit” later in the day and the article changed entirely censoring quotes from a CAWDS spokesperson. Meanwhile, Federated Farmers crafted a press release telling dairy protesters to “get a real job (like farming)”. Climate Camp have released a response inviting Federated farmers to take their own advice.
Today, Animal Freedom Aotearoa released an investigation into the dairy industry highlighting the exploitation of dairy cows, mass slaughter of baby calves, environmental impacts of dairy farming and health benefits of going dairy free.
Demos were held throughout the day today from morning to evening. During lunchtime, we marched from Skycity to Fonterra headquarters on Princes St and sent a message to Fonterra that we don’t accept their lies about sustainability and nutrition and that we know the whole story of milk from the view of dairy cows and calves. Afterwards, we marched back down to Queen St where a lot of people came up to talk to us, took photos and asked for more information. Many people expressed their support. We ended up running out of flyers, 1600 leaflets went out in a day and half. This evening, the delegates were having their dinner at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. We gathered there early to meet them upon arrival, about 3-4 bus loads of delegates arrived at the museum and we met with chants like “dairy polluters, animal abusers” and “milk production, ecological destruction” as well as “cows with guns” blasting out from the wheelie bin stereo.
Report: Day Three - Road Blockades, Cheerleaders and Violent Security Guards
Wednesday morning started off with a peaceful demonstration outside with activists interacting with summit delegates and the general public. We received a significant amount of support and appreciation from the public who were coming up to us asking for flyers. One summit delegate who had a conversation with us previously gave us a poster detailing the distribution of dairy farming internationally. He was previously trying to argue that on average the ratio between farmers to cows is one farmer to every 2 cows. According to the statistics on the map, that is true for Bangladesh but in New Zealand it is more than 100 cows per farmer and the average herd size here is 350 cows.
Later on at lunchtime, a demonstration was held outside of Orica, a Gold Sponsor of the World Dairy Summit in Newmarket. Orica produces chemical products and feed for dairy cows. We stood outside on their door steps and handed out info about the dairy industry to pedestrians on their lunch breaks.Like our previous demos this week we received amazing support and interest from the public who were very receptive to our message.
Later on at lunchtime, a demonstration was held outside of Orica, a Gold Sponsor of the World Dairy Summit in Newmarket. Orica produces chemical products and feed for dairy cows. We stood outside on their door steps and handed out info about the dairy industry to pedestrians on their lunch breaks.Like our previous demos this week we received amazing support and interest from the public who were very receptive to our message.
Evening gala dinner
Our demo was originally planned for the Auckland War Memorial Museum, but when we arrived, there was no security and all the doors were locked. We soon found out they had changed the venue to ASB showgrounds. We went there as fast as we could to meet them there. A radical cheerleading squad comprised of Climate Camp members set up at the main entrance and managed to block one bus from coming in.
Meanwhile Animal Freedom Aotearoa members were around the corner observing the movement of buses. It appeared that all the buses were being diverted to the road we were gathered on to get through the back entrance. After a couple of buses that were obviously full of delegates passed, AFA members spontaneously decided to block the next bus that comes through. Surely enough, another busload drove down the road. A banner was unfurled and about 8 people stood in front of the bus which had come to a full halt. Soon, more buses came through and lined up behind, four buses stood still for at least 15 minutes. One AFA member was redirecting traffic, allowing other cars to pass through. The third bus back did a manouvre and turned around, but right afterwards a car pulled up to replace the third bus so the second bus could not reverse. We delayed them for a long time before police and security showed up. Some radical cheerleaders and a “cash cow” joined in later in the action sitting and lying down behind the main banner.
Our demo was originally planned for the Auckland War Memorial Museum, but when we arrived, there was no security and all the doors were locked. We soon found out they had changed the venue to ASB showgrounds. We went there as fast as we could to meet them there. A radical cheerleading squad comprised of Climate Camp members set up at the main entrance and managed to block one bus from coming in.
Meanwhile Animal Freedom Aotearoa members were around the corner observing the movement of buses. It appeared that all the buses were being diverted to the road we were gathered on to get through the back entrance. After a couple of buses that were obviously full of delegates passed, AFA members spontaneously decided to block the next bus that comes through. Surely enough, another busload drove down the road. A banner was unfurled and about 8 people stood in front of the bus which had come to a full halt. Soon, more buses came through and lined up behind, four buses stood still for at least 15 minutes. One AFA member was redirecting traffic, allowing other cars to pass through. The third bus back did a manouvre and turned around, but right afterwards a car pulled up to replace the third bus so the second bus could not reverse. We delayed them for a long time before police and security showed up. Some radical cheerleaders and a “cash cow” joined in later in the action sitting and lying down behind the main banner.
When police arrived, they pushed us to the side and we let the first bus through then moved forward to block the second one. Paragon security guards turned up later and as police stood by watching as they violently pushed us out off the road, pushing one of us to the ground. Police refused to take details of the security guards who had illegally assaulted us.
After the radical cheerleaders had left, AFA members began making plans to gain access to the grounds and approach the building where the delegates were having dinner to interrupt their dinner with a vocal protest. We evening found a way inside and when we all got in, we started jogging towards the building chanting “dairy polluters, animal abusers”. A couple Paragon security guards spotted us and ran towards us.The person with the megaphone got tackled to the ground then another activist distracted the security guard who took the megaphone away while the person on the ground got up and kept running.
More security guards rushed towards us, and physically forced everyone on the ground. Security told us that the law did not apply within the boundaries of the ASB Show Grounds and that they could, and would, do what ever they liked to us. Some people were still chanting while pinned to the ground, Paragon security guards told them to shut up and smashed the megaphone against one person’s head repeatedly crushing her against against the ground. Another AFAer was told to shut up or she would get his foot in her mouth.
One AFA member was flipped on top of fellow activists and pinned in a arm restraint. Another security guard twisted her leg and said that if she did not remain still he would twist her leg like she had never felt it before and that she would be in so much pain.
The person who got furtherest to the building had his head stood on and crushed against the concrete for chanting. We were asked to leave but then when we attempted to do this we were forced to the ground illegally detained for some time until police arrived. We were then told that we would be sorry when the Police arrived. As we tried to explain to security we had not been previously asked to leave and were not trespassed and that in reality we had not broken any laws but that in fact they were the ones who were illegally detaining us and had also assaulted us. This of course fell on deaf ears.
After trying to explain to Security that they were in fact wrong and that even if we were arrested that we would never be convicted it was somewhat satisfying when the Police turned up and told us that we could leave if we went peacefully. However, unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the Police refused to take our complaints of assault.
The violence used against us was an attempt to silence us from exposing the dairy industry’s mistreatment of cows, environmental degradation and climate change.
See our press release about the assaults.
After the radical cheerleaders had left, AFA members began making plans to gain access to the grounds and approach the building where the delegates were having dinner to interrupt their dinner with a vocal protest. We evening found a way inside and when we all got in, we started jogging towards the building chanting “dairy polluters, animal abusers”. A couple Paragon security guards spotted us and ran towards us.The person with the megaphone got tackled to the ground then another activist distracted the security guard who took the megaphone away while the person on the ground got up and kept running.
More security guards rushed towards us, and physically forced everyone on the ground. Security told us that the law did not apply within the boundaries of the ASB Show Grounds and that they could, and would, do what ever they liked to us. Some people were still chanting while pinned to the ground, Paragon security guards told them to shut up and smashed the megaphone against one person’s head repeatedly crushing her against against the ground. Another AFAer was told to shut up or she would get his foot in her mouth.
One AFA member was flipped on top of fellow activists and pinned in a arm restraint. Another security guard twisted her leg and said that if she did not remain still he would twist her leg like she had never felt it before and that she would be in so much pain.
The person who got furtherest to the building had his head stood on and crushed against the concrete for chanting. We were asked to leave but then when we attempted to do this we were forced to the ground illegally detained for some time until police arrived. We were then told that we would be sorry when the Police arrived. As we tried to explain to security we had not been previously asked to leave and were not trespassed and that in reality we had not broken any laws but that in fact they were the ones who were illegally detaining us and had also assaulted us. This of course fell on deaf ears.
After trying to explain to Security that they were in fact wrong and that even if we were arrested that we would never be convicted it was somewhat satisfying when the Police turned up and told us that we could leave if we went peacefully. However, unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the Police refused to take our complaints of assault.
The violence used against us was an attempt to silence us from exposing the dairy industry’s mistreatment of cows, environmental degradation and climate change.
See our press release about the assaults.
Day Four: The Final Day
On the final day we held two demos outside Skycity as well as leafleting during the day.
During the morning demo, Climate Camp highlighted the greenwashing of the Dairy Industry. They reported to following about their action:
At 8.00 am this morning Greenwash Incorporated greenwashed the entrance to the Sky City Convention Centre, as part of the World Dairy Summit.
Today is the last day of the World Dairy Summit, where the international dairy delegates are discussing their effect on the environment. Greenwash Inc. Communications Manager Gareth Johnson says “Greenwash Inc. are assisting Fonterra in covering up their major contribution to New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. Currently 50% of our national emissions result from agricultural practices and 90% of our rivers are unswimmable, largely due to impacts of the dairy industry.
"Greenwash Inc. feel strongly that Fonterra should not be penalised for their flagrant disregard for environmental concerns. We will ensure that Fonterra continues to lead the world’s dairy industry in this destructive manner under the guise of ‘sustainability’.”
A dozen green-clad workers covered the pavement in front of the centre with green goo, as international delegates entered the building. The greenwash application lasted approximately 30 minutes, until police moved the workers on.
“We are trying to hide the devastation Fonterra is responsible for” said Greenwash Inc. employee Jacquie Govinski. “Today we successfully covered up climate crimes, deforestation and extensive water pollution.”
“Fonterra can now happily continue leading the world in ‘sustainable dairying’” said Govinski.
Following the Dairy Summit we held a debrief and potluck for all of those who came along to the demos. All of us commented how surprised we were that the public were so interested and supportive. Given how strong the Dairy Industry is in New Zealand it was amazing how much people wanted to hear what we had to say.
Thanks to everyone that took part and are fighting the dairy industry, it's not over yet!
During the morning demo, Climate Camp highlighted the greenwashing of the Dairy Industry. They reported to following about their action:
At 8.00 am this morning Greenwash Incorporated greenwashed the entrance to the Sky City Convention Centre, as part of the World Dairy Summit.
Today is the last day of the World Dairy Summit, where the international dairy delegates are discussing their effect on the environment. Greenwash Inc. Communications Manager Gareth Johnson says “Greenwash Inc. are assisting Fonterra in covering up their major contribution to New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. Currently 50% of our national emissions result from agricultural practices and 90% of our rivers are unswimmable, largely due to impacts of the dairy industry.
"Greenwash Inc. feel strongly that Fonterra should not be penalised for their flagrant disregard for environmental concerns. We will ensure that Fonterra continues to lead the world’s dairy industry in this destructive manner under the guise of ‘sustainability’.”
A dozen green-clad workers covered the pavement in front of the centre with green goo, as international delegates entered the building. The greenwash application lasted approximately 30 minutes, until police moved the workers on.
“We are trying to hide the devastation Fonterra is responsible for” said Greenwash Inc. employee Jacquie Govinski. “Today we successfully covered up climate crimes, deforestation and extensive water pollution.”
“Fonterra can now happily continue leading the world in ‘sustainable dairying’” said Govinski.
Following the Dairy Summit we held a debrief and potluck for all of those who came along to the demos. All of us commented how surprised we were that the public were so interested and supportive. Given how strong the Dairy Industry is in New Zealand it was amazing how much people wanted to hear what we had to say.
Thanks to everyone that took part and are fighting the dairy industry, it's not over yet!
