School Strike for Climate set to be the biggest one yet

The event is organised by a student-led group that aims to get both government and local councils to step forward and take action. School Strike for Climate (SS4C) Ōtautahi Christchurch said they plan to “bring about action on intersectional climate and social justice issues in Aotearoa.”

"As the current government proposes climate-butchering policies like the repeal of the ban on offshore oil and gas drilling, as well as a possible treaty referendum, and in the wake of racist policies such as the recent abolishment of Te Aka Whai Ora, this is an especially important time to make our voices heard. We plan to see the biggest strike mobilisation to date." 

Since the event began in 2019 they have seen close to 40,000 people attending the events, and hope this is going to be larger than any previous year.

The marches are aimed at high school students, pointing the spotlight at topics such as the voting age and concern for “our grandchildren's children,” due to the global warming crisis. 

The Green Party stands by the protests calling for all to come out and support the next generation of young leaders.

“We want to get our green movement across the country to show their support.”

For many students attending, they do however face the negative outcome of an unjustified absence from school. High schools across the country are not classifying the protests as a justifiable reason not to be attending scheduled classes. 

A secondary school principal who has chosen to remain anonymous said the rules would not be changed for the protestors.

“Even though it is an awesome event, we cannot adjust policy to exempt not attending class on a one-off basis.”

Although run by student-led organisations, the cause has no direct link to schools themselves. The SS4C website states that you can catch us ‘wagging school’ across Aotearoa.

The Christchurch event will start at the Bridge of Remembrance at 1pm tomorrow and move through the central city. A spokesperson for the Christchurch organisation said there will be an opportunity for an open mic so anyone can stand up, speak up and voice their opinions.