From Whangārei to Invercargill, thousands are expected to take to the streets in Friday’s climate strike.
But it is not just about the climate crisis: The event is led by a coalition including Toitū Te Tiriti, Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, and School Strike 4 Climate.
They have six demands. To keep the ban on oil and gas exploration, end the Fast Track Approvals Bill, toitū te Tiriti o Waitangi, climate education for all, lower the voting age to 16 and to “free Palestine”.
One issue wouldn’t make any difference. You really think this government is going to look at a protest of young people and liberals and Maori and change their course? This is mostly a message to the rest of the country that even though they are in the minority in this country there are lots of people who care about climate and environmental protection and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The message is not for the government or the majority of the people in this country who elected the government. We know they don’t want any of those things and they aren’t going to change their minds because a protest happened.