Stockton Mine coal bucket protest

The story so far

Climate Liberation Aotearoa activists staged a protest at the Stockton mine near Ngakawau, camping in a suspended coal bucket.^{6 Aug 2025} One activist claimed a mine worker fired a shotgun to scare them during a nine-day sit-in, and the mining company denied the accusation, saying it would not employ anyone to commit such an act.^{6 Aug 2025} The two protesters had abseiled into the coal bucket via an aerial ropeway, and their protest lasted 23 days.^{19 Aug 2025} After the protest, the pair descended from the Denniston Plateau, but police later arrested them, saying they became stuck in a tree after deviating from an agreed plan to descend.^{19 Aug 2025}

What's next

The two are due to appear in court the following day.^{19 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 6 Aug 2025Activist claims mine worker fired shotgun during nine-day sit-in; company denies it.
2. 19 Aug 2025Protesters descend from Denniston Plateau, ending three-week protest.
3. 19 Aug 2025Two activists arrested after 23-day protest; police say they got stuck in tree.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.