New Zealand: Nationwide strikes for climate change action expected Mar. 15

Event

Thousands of primary and secondary school students are expected to participate in strikes across New Zealand on Friday, March 15, urging politicians to address climate change with greater urgency. As many as 20 rallies have been planned on Friday, including gatherings in Hamilton (Waikato region), Coromandel (Waikato region), and Raglan (Waikato region). In Dunedin (Otago region), protests are expected to start with a march down George Street at 12:00 (local time), followed by a rally in the Octagon. In Christchurch (Canterbury region), protests are scheduled to begin at 13:00 (local time) at Cathedral Square. In Wellington (Wellington region), protests are expected starting at 10:00 (local time) at Civic Square followed by a walk to Parliament down Lambton Quay. In Auckland (Auckland region), protests are expected to begin at 12:00 (local time) at Aotea Square. Related events are also planned in Nelson (Nelson province), Russell (Northland region), Lower Hutt (Wellington region), Kāpiti (Wellington region), Palmerston North (Manawatu-Wanganui region), Whanganui (Manawatu-Wanganui region), New Plymouth (Taranaki region), and others.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected around related demonstrations.

Context

The demonstrations, organized under the "Youth Strike 4 Climate" banner, are part of an international movement to call for effective government action on climate change issues. Activists' demands include an immediate ban on the exploration and extraction of fossil fuels, regulating emissions from agriculture, and supporting the Government's Zero Carbon Act.

Advice

Individuals in New Zealand are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate crowds, localized disruptions, and a heightened security presence near demonstrations, and avoid all public or political demonstrations as a precaution.