Russell School pupils march through the town calling for climate action. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Russell School pupils march through the town calling for climate action. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Students as young as nine who led a series of strikes across Northland calling for action on climate change say it's the only way they can get their message across to politicians.
Students from Kaitaia, Russell, Kerikeri and Whangārei abandoned lessons to stage pickets and protest marches in support of the global School Strike 4 Climate Action on Friday.
Children at Russell School led by Evie Trotter, 9, and twins Lia and Kira Kammerer, 12, were the first to commit to the strike.
Kira Kammerer, 12, Evie Trotter, 9, and Lia Kammerer, 12, organised fellow pupils to strike on March 15. Photo / Peter de Graaf
About 30 pupils, more than a third of the roll, with parents marched around town, drew placards, made speeches and had a sausage sizzle.
They also collected signatures for a petition to Northland MP Matt King and read a list of demands, including carbon neutrality by 2050, a Zero Carbon Act, and mechanisms allowing them to hold future governments to account.
Evie said she was inspired by Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, who went on strike every Friday for eight months to highlight her concerns.
Evie spoke at assembly to explain their climate change concerns, contacted groups around Russell for support, and made permission slips for students who wanted to take part.
Eight-year-old Mali Johnston from Russell School. Photo / Peter de Graaf
"We can't vote yet because we're not old enough and adults aren't stepping up. I thought this would get adults' and the government's attention."
It was unfair that past generations had damaged the environment but it was children who would have to live with the results.
Some schools warned those taking part they would be treated as truants. Russell School principal Melissa Jackson was "fully supportive and very proud".
A proud Russell School principal Melissa Jackson gives Lia Kammerer, one of the strike organisers, a hug. Photo / Peter de Graaf
"Even leaving the science and politics aside, I support anything in which students show leadership and are passionate."
The strike leaders' learning experience could not have been replicated in normal school activities, she said.
"These three young ladies came to me with absolute fervour to be part of something bigger than themselves. All we've done is lend them the barbecue and the sound system. They've done all the rest."
"They truly are very concerned, and not just about their own futures. They have a strong sense of social justice and how privileged they are to grow up in New Zealand, and that some of their Pacific counterparts are not nearly so lucky."
Marino Haunui-Tawhiao, 12, Karamea Davis, 10, and Ngakau Cooper, 12, work on their placards. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Missed classes would be treated as "explained absence" and not truancy. The school had ensured there would be adequate adult supervision.
Meanwhile, Kerikeri's strike was led by 11-year-old Dana Chandler of Bay of Islands International Academy at Te Tii.
More than 60 people, mainly students from Kerikeri High School, picketed outside MP Matt King's office from 11am-2pm and marched around town, drawing toots from passing motorists.
She said the strike was only the start, not a one-off event.
Kerikeri High School deputy principal Mike Clent said as long as parents explained their children were at the strike, Friday's absences would not be treated as truancy.
"Hats off to the kids for being environmentally aware and socially active," he said.
MP Matt King said it was great that children were aware and passionate about the environment.
