Thousands of students across the country have hit the streets today as part of a call for action on climate change with more than 20 events taking place.
A coalition of Toitū Te Tiriti, the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, and School Strike 4 Climate are leading the event.
Organisers School Strike 4 Climate said their aim is to "raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action and to demand meaningful policy changes to combat the climate crisis".
Demands of those marching included that the oil and gas exploration ban remaining in place, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ending fast-track consenting legislation, protecting New Zealand's oceans and conservation land, climate education for all, and making the voting age 16.
One senior minister questioned the timing of the protest, calling for students to be marked absent from school. (Source: 1News)
Also listed among the demands of the group was to "free Palestine," and saying NZ should expel the Israeli ambassador.
Events were due to start throughout the day, with several rallies and marches planned in main centres.
Around 350 people turned out in Auckland's Parnell this afternoon, practicing AC/DC and Queen songs retooled as marches.
Protesters were asked to collect a glove and rubbish bag to pick up litter along the 2.5km route between Dove Myer Park and Albert Park in the CBD.
"We're talking the talk and walking the walk," said one organiser, when asked why this initiative was in place.
Protester Siri told 1News she attended today's march because she had a problem with the Government's approach to conservation.
"They're dismantling previous rules that have been in place, they are picking up projects that have been previously turned down by the Environment Court ... and they're doing it behind our back and the public has nothing to say, so they have become the predators."
One protester described the Government as "terrible" and "despicable".
"I'm terrified, because I know I'm going to die from climate change and the Government is doing absolutely zero for it."
Organisers School Strike 4 Climate say their aim is to "raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action and to demand meaningful policy changes to combat the climate crisis". (Source: 1News)
Another said: "I'm here today because this government is putting profits over people, they're putting money over morals."
Auckland Transport warned commuters of protest-related delays this afternoon.
A series of "rolling closures" were expected, with roads to reopen once protesters had moved on.
"No buses will be detoured, but delays to some services are expected. Check AT mobile for updates," a spokesperson said.
Education should be prioritised over protesting — Seymour
Associate education minister David Seymour said students should be in school and learning instead of protesting during school hours.
"If students feel strongly about sending a message, they could have marched on Tuesday when there was a nationwide teacher only day, or during the upcoming school holidays."
Students need to turn up to school and get a good education if they want to effect real change in the world, he said.
"My expectation is that schools will treat students protesting today as explained but unjustified absences."
'That's embarrassing' — Swarbrick
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick described Seymour's stance as "straight up embarrassing" and said "the world doesn't stop where the classroom door stops."
"The energy from our young people is that they want a healthy planet and a healthy climate for the future."
She said there was a "fundamental recognition" from young people of a need for "intersectional justice."
"That means realising the social and environmental inequities we are seeing play out are products of the same system. That system has to change, and that is what our rangitahi are demanding."
SHARE ME