Hundreds of students and supporters gathered in Wellington on Friday for the latest School Strike 4 Climate, calling on the Government to rethink its fast-track approvals legislation and take stronger action on climate change.
Held on the last day of the school term, the march saw students from across the capital walk out of classrooms and take to the streets, carrying placards and chanting for environmental justice.
The protest, which began at Frank Kitts Park and ended at Parliament, was part of a global youth-led movement demanding urgent action on climate change. Organised entirely by students, the Wellington strike centred on concerns about the Government’s proposed fast-track approvals bill, which aims to speed up large-scale infrastructure projects.
Strikers warned that the legislation could sideline environmental protections and Māori land rights in favour of quicker economic development.
“Our message is clear: don’t fast track our future,” said one of the organisers, Jemima Tito, 16. “We want to make sure decisions made today don’t cost us tomorrow.”
The march came just a day after Parliament voted down ACT’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill, a moment that energised the crowd. Students marked the occasion by singing Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi — a waiata also sung by opposition MPs after the bill’s defeat.
The atmosphere was one of youthful determination, with protestors rallying against what they see as short-sighted policies risking long-term environmental harm.
Climate action groups like Fridays for the Future also joined the march, continuing their ongoing efforts to hold politicians accountable for environmental decisions.
Despite criticism from some politicians, including ACT leader David Seymour who called the strike unjustified, students said their concerns were valid and urgent.
The Ministry of Education reminded schools that absences for non-school-organised events were officially considered unjustified, but many young protesters believed their stand was worth it.
“This won’t be the last time we take to the streets,” Tito said. “We’re fighting for our future.”