Climate protesters disrupt train in Dunedin

A KiwiRail train.
A KiwiRail train. Photo credit: File

Police are attending an incident near Ward St in Dunedin, where a group of people are standing on the train tracks.

Extinction Rebellion activists are preventing a coal train from moving in protest at KiwiRail's role as a coal transporter.

The move comes one year after the group stopped another KiwiRail coal train at Dunedin Railway Station.

Activist Jack Brazil said the group is protesting against KiwiRail's role in supporting Fonterra as New Zealand's worst polluter.

He said KiwiRail carries 500 tonnes of low grade thermal coal daily from Bathurst Resources' mine in Southland to Fonterra's Clandeboye factory in South Canterbury.

An Otago Daily Times photographer said people could be seen on top of the train and lying in front of it.

A police spokesperson told RNZ they respect people's right to protest and are at the scene to keep everyone safe.

RNZ