Protesters make their views known to Mercury Energy in Greenlane yesterday. Photo / Dean Purcell
Protesters make their views known to Mercury Energy in Greenlane yesterday. Photo / Dean Purcell
KEY POINTS:
Demonstrators staged a noisy protest and waved placards saying "contract killers" outside Mercury Energy's headquarters in response to the power company's treatment of Folole Muliaga.
The group, made up mostly of union members, had gathered at the company's headquarters in Auckland's Great South Rd to express anger atthe electricity company following the death of the Mangere woman.
Yesterday's mostly peaceful protest threatened to turn violent when a motorcyclist revved his engine as he tried to exit the driveway full of people.
The exchange ended in a face-off with union organiser Joe Slade, who slapped the motorcyclist on the helmet and eyeballed him before the man rode off.
Over the loud noise of activists speaking through megaphones, protesters spoken to expressed "disgust" at Mrs Muliaga's death.
They held placards reading "People before profit", "Contract killers" and "Power to the people". Some called for people to change electricity companies, even if it meant paying higher bills.
Others called for regulation of New Zealand's water and power industries, believing they should be run by not-for-profit organisations.
Mrs Muliaga's nephew Brenden Sheehan arrived and, in an emotional speech, thanked everyone for their support.
Voice wavering, he said the family were heartened by the emotional and financial support from strangers. One company had even donated a coffin.
"We're not seeking to blame anyone. We want the company to stand up and be responsible," he said.
However, the "grief-stricken" family were angry and would be seeking legal representation, he said.
Jill Ovens, northern region secretary of the Service and Food Workers' Union, said she was angry that Mercury Energy appeared to be blaming its contractor for having the power cut off.
Contracting services also allowed large companies to pay workers low wages and pass the blame for mistakes, she said.
At least five members of Mrs Muliaga's family were members of the union in Auckland and the low wages they earned - about $12 an hour - showed the struggle that many union members faced.
