And who said New Zealanders were apathetic?

Kiwis across the country grabbed their placards and took to the streets in a day of protest yesterday for causes ranging from science to fair pay.

New Zealanders were the first in the world to step out in the Global March for Science.

Six demonstrations were held nationwide as part of more than 500 planned worldwide, prompted by the Trump Administration’s contentious approach to issues such as climate change, and its funding squeeze on scientific programmes. But the event was also a celebration of science.

The largest crowds are expected in Washington DC, and across Europe.

Meanwhile, in Auckland, about 200 protesters turned out to rally for medicinal cannabis.

The crowd gathered in Aotea Square in the CBD at midday before marching down Queen St.

Organisers were calling for safe, legal and affordable access to cannabis, and invited others around the country to organise coinciding marches.

Chris Fowlie, president of campaign group NORML (National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), said the rally was intended to make a statement to Parliament.

Elsewhere, restaurant workers took to the streets to push for better pay.

Staff from KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr and Starbucks restaurants around the country walked off the job at midday.

Workers from the fast-food chains, owned by Restaurant Brands, went on strike after the company refused a pay rise of 10c an hour each year, for three years.

That rise would increase workers’ pay to 30 cents an hour above the minimum wage by 2019.

Unite union national director Mike Treen said some stores would close as a result of the strike.

‘‘[But] we need to show we’re serious. Our three main concerns are getting workers off the minimum wage, getting supervisors onto a living wage, and pay equity.’’

KFC supervisors, who were mostly women, were being paid $1.80 an hour less than cooks, who were mostly men. Cooks were given a $2.50 pay rise last year.

The refusal to increase pay comes after Restaurant Brands announced on Thursday a profit of $26 million after tax, up $1.9 million from the previous year.

Unite accused Restaurant Brands of refusing to offer redundancy payment for workers.

Workers are given a week’s notice if they are fired.

FIONA GOODALL, WARWICK SMITH / FAIRFAX NZ Left, Marchers walk up Queen St in Auckland to show scientific solidarity on an international day on of proscience campaigning. Below left, protesters march in Auckland to call for legalisation of medicinal cannabis. Below right, KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl’s...