Today, many students all over New Zealand are taking to the streets to demand action on climate change. They’re joining over 20 events organised by a group called Toitū Te Tiriti, along with others like the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa and School Strike 4 Climate.
The organisers of School Strike 4 Climate want people to know that urgent action is needed to tackle the climate crisis. They’re calling for important policy changes, like keeping the ban on oil and gas exploration, respecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and protecting the environment.
One of their demands is also about supporting Palestine and asking New Zealand to send the Israeli ambassador away.
These events are happening throughout the day, causing some disruptions to traffic. Auckland Transport says there might be delays, but they’re working to minimize them.
The Associate Education Minister, David Seymour, thinks students should be in school instead of protesting. He suggests they could have protested during holidays or a teacher-only day. He believes education is the key to making a real difference in the world.
But Chlöe Swarbrick from the Green Party disagrees. She thinks Seymour’s view is embarrassing and believes students have the right to speak up for a healthy planet and climate. She says young people understand the need for change in both social and environmental issues, and they’re demanding it.
[original text by 1News]