Hundreds support Marsden B protesters

Three Greenpeace protesters are preparing to spend their sixth night occupying the dormant Marsden B power station tonight.

The protesters, who face arrest for scaling the building on Wednesday morning, want the Government to intervene in Mighty River's plans for transforming the dormant station into a coal-fired power station.

Yesterday the protesters, who are living on top of the building in tents, drew the support of nearly 500 people who also oppose coal-fired power.

The large group, that included local hapu and residents from Whangarei and Ruakaka, gathered outside the Marsden B gates before marching to Bream Bay chanting "No to Coal" and "Yes to Wind".

At the beach they stood side by side, spelling out the words "No Coal" and "Stop Marsden B".

Greenpeace protester Kate Lowe, one of the three occupying the building, said she was pleased to see the community rallying around below.

"Being up here to support the extraordinary local opposition against this environmentally-insane idea is a real privilege. Seeing everyone below us today strengthens our resolve to stay here until the Government or Mighty River Power stop Marsden B."

Greenpeace spokesman Steve Abel said local residents were concerned that the coal-fired power would affect the climate and pollute the nearby beach.

Mr Abel said the occupiers planned to remain on the building until the Government intervened or Mighty River Power backed down.

Mighty River Power external affairs general manager Neil Williams said the company wanted the protesters to leave the building's roof for their own safety.

He added there were plenty of other ways for people to express their views, including using the submission process which closes on Thursday.

"That's the appropriate way. Unlawful acts aren't necessarily the best way to go."

A fourth protester, who also occupied the building but came down for personal reasons on Friday morning, is already facing trespass-related charges. He is due to appear in the Whangarei District Court tomorrow.

Troubled Marsden B

* The dormant building was built in the 1970s as an oil-fired power station but never used.

* Mighty River Power has submitted an application to the Northland Regional Council to transform it into a coal-fired power station of up to 320MW.

* Protesters say a coal-fired station would cause too much pollution and want to see a clean, sustainable and renewable energy source found instead.

* Three Greenpeace protesters have occupied the building and are vowing to remain there until the Government intervenes in Mighty River's plans.