Lyttelton Port Protest

Christchurch Police are currently dealing with a Greenpeace protest in Lyttleton Harbour. 

Hellenic Sea, a 38,000 tonne ship bound for Dunkirk had been held up at its mooring following
protest action by crew from the greenpeace vessel, Rainbow Warrior, preventing the Hellenic Sea from departing. 

Police have so far made 6 arrests - 3 for obstruction and a further 3 for unlawfully getting onto a
boat. Further charges have not been excluded. 

Inspector Malcolm Johnston, Area Commander for Christchurch South said the protest action was unfortunate. 

'Why Greenpeace couldn't find a way of protesting that didn't tie up emergency services for so long is disappointing. 

I heard of one case where a woman was being assaulted in Central Christchurch and we didn't have a unit to respond because most available staff were out at Lyttleton.

During the demonstration police had 30 staff and an ambulance in attendance.

One point in their favour though, I was pleased to have my staff report back that the protesters, when arrested, were cooperative and polite'. 

The Hellenic Sea managed to depart as planned.