Politicians praise students at Auckland climate change strike

Greens co-leader Marama Davidson and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff are praising students striking over climate change for holding politicians to account.

Thousands packed into Auckland's Aotea Square last Friday calling for immediate action from the Government to limit global warming.

At the event's close, Ms Davidson said she hoped politicians would listen to the students.

“Their messages today, their banners, the way that they have worked together — that is exactly how we need to work together to solve and address climate change.

”I hope they keep calling us to account,” she said.

At the event, Mr Goff said Auckland was taking steps towards reducing its environmental impact by converting to an electric public transport system, building a more compact city and having fully insulated houses.

“I think it’s fantastic that young people are showing their commitment…in demanding accountability from their leaders.

“I’m here to show my support and solidarity for the thousands of young people who are here to address the most pressing issue of our age,” he said.

National MPs Nikki Kaye and Andrew Bayly also visited Aotea Square.

Ms Kaye previously said the strike was a “challenge” in making sure students stayed safe and had parental permission.

Grandparents and parents also took part in the strike to support the students or to come on their behalf.

Gwyneth Parallag, 17, one of the Auckland strike’s lead organisers, said she was thankful for their support as “adult allies”.

“I think we definitely told the Government something,” she said.

Ms Parallag, a Year 13 student and deputy head girl at Auckland Girls’ Grammar, met with the mayor a day before the strike.

“You could tell he was a politician — he was very supportive and he listened to us. We’ve definitely pencilled in a future meeting.”

She said she was hopeful for further action to result from the coming meeting.

The strike is part of the international School Strike 4 Climate movement inspired by activist Greta Thunberg.

Strikes were held around the world on Friday.

Ms Thunberg, 16, first started missing school in 2018 to hold strikes outside the Swedish parliament.

She wanted to draw attention to climate change and Sweden’s role in the United Nations Paris Agreement.

New Zealand strikers’ demands include passing the Zero Carbon Act, investing in renewable energy alternatives and regulating emissions from the agriculture industry.

The organisers for the Auckland strike will meet this week to discuss their next steps.