Schoolkids deliver climate lesson
Sparks flew at Christchurch’s School Strike 4 Climate march, as the mayor’s response to their concerns angered protesters.
Thousands of students around the country took part in protests from Auckland to Dunedin yesterday, to demand fast and effective action from Government to protect the planet.
They were united by six national demands; phasing out fossil fuels, investing in renewable energy, a just transition to protect workers, that the Government honours its responsibility to Pacific neighbours, that it slashes agricultural emissions, and that climate education is introduced in schools.
In Christchurch, about 2000 people joined the strike in Cathedral Square, before marching on the Christchurch City Council’s Worcester St offices.
Local organisers had three regional demands, which they handed over to mayor Lianne Dalziel.
Rata Airey earlier told The Press they wanted free, green public transport in the city, increased funding for climate education in schools, and council-owned Christchurch City Holdings Limited (CCHL) to put an immediate halt on the Tarras Airport project.
Problems started when protesters arrived on the council’s doorstep, and the mayor was nowhere to be seen.
Chants of ‘‘where’s our mayor?’’, ‘‘show your face’’, and ‘‘what do we want? Lianne Dalziel. When do we want her? Now’’ broke out. Other councillors who came outside to speak were heckled.
Dalziel eventually came out of the building and apologised for being late.
She said it was important the voice of the future generation was listened to and heard.
‘‘We are the first generation to feel the impacts of climate change, and the last that can do something about it.
‘‘You are showing an understanding that everyone around the world needs to understand. We all need to play our part . . . and work in partnership.’’
The mayor said she supported the transport proposals, but regional council Environment Canterbury (ECan) needed to be involved in those discussions.
Dalziel, who is on the board of CCHL, again sparked ire when she refused to discuss the Tarras Airport proposal.
Strikers started yelling over her, ‘‘What are YOU going to do?’’ and a few muttered she was avoiding responsibility.
Dalziel agreed to meet organisers before protesters disbanded.
Christchurch Airport announced in July last year it had bought four properties near Tarras in Central Otago and wanted long-haul jets flying there within 10 years.
Not only were rival airports opposed to the idea, but climate activists were also concerned about its environmental impact, given the global aviation industry is responsible for hundreds of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Huda Mazharuddin, who lost a friend in the Christchurch mosque attacks, earlier spoke in Cathedral Square about the importance of standing together.
She said no matter what race, gender, religion, age or sexuality protesters may be, ‘‘we are all one’’.
‘‘If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go with other people.’’
Ao Tawhiti student Myro McKee said the people who needed to hear their message most were not at the protests.
‘‘They’re sitting behind desks counting their filthy money.
‘‘But our voices will get louder and louder until that’s all they can hear. That’s a threat.’’
ECan councillor Lan Pham encouraged everyone to get involved in local politics.
‘‘Your collective voices already influenced us, and other councils.
‘‘But I know you and I want more . . . We can’t overlook the influence you can have on local and regional councils.’’
In Auckland, thousands marched down Queen St, and in the capital, thousands more marched from Civic Square to Parliament, where Climate Change Minister James Shaw came out to hear their concerns.
The Green Party sent four MPs to meet the school strikers at Parliament, but no other parties showed up.
Invitations were sent to all parties, but only the Greens and Labour responded.