Greenpeace activists staged a protest at Fonterra’s Te Rapa Dairy Factory in Waikato, New Zealand, on October 9, 2024, to highlight the company’s methane emissions and its environmental impact. The group scaled the building, unfurling a large banner calling for Fonterra to reduce cow numbers and transition to more sustainable farming practices. The protest drew attention to New Zealand’s role as the world’s largest dairy exporter and its responsibility in combating climate change.
Greenpeace climate change activists staged a dramatic protest at Fonterra’s Te Rapa Dairy Factory in Hamilton, New Zealand, scaling the building early Wednesday morning. The group aimed to bring attention to the dairy giant’s role in methane emissions, a major contributor to climate change.
At approximately 7 a.m., activists climbed the factory’s façade and unfurled a massive 160-square-meter banner that read, “Fonterra’s methane cooks the climate.” The protesters abseiled down the building’s blue glass windows, making a bold statement about the company’s environmental impact. This event is part of Greenpeace’s ongoing efforts to push Fonterra, New Zealand’s largest dairy exporter, to adopt more sustainable farming practices.
In a press release, Greenpeace spokeswoman Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn said the protest was meant to urge Fonterra to reduce its methane emissions, which are predominantly produced by New Zealand’s large dairy herds. She emphasized that the country, as the world’s largest dairy exporter, has a significant role to play in addressing global climate challenges.
“We have the opportunity to slow down climate change by cutting methane emissions now. Reducing cow numbers could prevent some of the worst climate catastrophes.”
Deighton-O’Flynn.
The activists also criticized Fonterra’s reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and palm kernel, both of which are used to sustain the nation’s massive dairy herds. Greenpeace is advocating for Fonterra to support farmers in transitioning to plant-based, ecological farming methods.
Police Response and Fonterra’s Silence
New Zealand police were notified of the protest around 7 a.m. and quickly arrived at the scene. A police spokesperson confirmed that officers were present and monitoring the situation, adding that there were no immediate safety concerns or traffic delays. The spokesperson also noted that, while peaceful protest is recognized, unlawful behavior could result in enforcement action if necessary.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made, and the banner has been removed from the factory. Fonterra has yet to release a statement regarding the protest.
This protest underscores the growing pressure on major agricultural players like Fonterra to address their environmental impact as the world grapples with the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
