Kiwi schoolkids strike for climate

More than 40,000 people packed into the grounds of Parliament buildings here yesterday, giving the latest global climate strike a flying start with the largest turnout yet seen in New Zealand.

Children in school uniform marched alongside teens with skateboards tucked under their arms and grey-haired protest veterans supporting the younger generation.

Participants carried signs saying “We’re skipping school to teach YOU a lesson”, “Denial equals Death” and “What Greta said!”.

The latter referenced Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg’s powerful address to the Climate Action Summon in New York on Monday, when she thundered “how dare you” at world leaders over inaction on climate change.

New Zealander James Capie shared a similar sense of outrage and the 13-year-old said his generation would continue to protest until their demands were acted upon.

“People do have every right to be angry. My generation shouldn’t be out here missing school,” he said.

“But it’s really important to me that we’re out here making a stand against other generations that have really screwed over our planet.

“If enough of us come out here and show enough mana (honour) and support for each other the message will get through.”

Michael Alspach, 37, braved the crowds with 17-month-old toddler Ella, saying he would not be able to look his daughter in the eye unless he did everything in his power to secure her future.