The first School Strike 4 Climate protest since Covid-19 hit saw thousands across New Zealand marching to the halls of power demanding action on climate change.
RNZ was there to capture in images the efforts of protesters, led largely by secondary school students, to force decision makers to curb the warming of the planet.
Students from Grey Lynn School, and their supporters. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Wellington students protesting for climate change action at Civic Square. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Sophie, a teacher, age 28. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Protestors enjoying the Natural Pirate Band's tunes in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
Crowds for the School Strike 4 Climate march in Wellington begin to grow in Civic Square. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Wellington climate march organiser Izzy Cook. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
We Didn't Start The Fire playing from the truck in Auckland as flags go up. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
The crowd at the Auckland march. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Annie Whitla and partner Soren O'Neil are at Christchurch's march to show support for young people. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Christchurch protesters seeking support from passing motorists. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Climate strike organiser in Auckland, Jack Barlow, age 16. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
The climate strike advances from Cathedral Square towards Colombo Street in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
River, 13 years old, Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
Signs visible as the crowd marches in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Climate strike organiser in Auckland, Christina Sieberhagen, age 15. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Organiser Jack Barlow thanks the crowd in Auckland for solidarity with young people. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Extinction Rebellion join the Auckland crowd. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
A sign reading 'the future is in our hands' at the Auckland march. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Auckland protesters listening intently to guest speakers. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Anna Babington, 14, is out protesting in Christchurch to protect her future grandchildren. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Chants of "Climate action, NOW" resound at the Auckland march. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Marching about to commence at the School Strike 4 Climate in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Police clear Queen Street for the climate strikers. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Students part of a 3000 to 4000-strong crowd in Wellington arrive at Parliament. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Climate marchers at Parliament in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Protesters outside the council building in Christchurch chant "Mayor Dalziel" and "where's our mayor?" Councillors attempted to speak, but were drowned out by the crowd calling for the mayor. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
University student Olivia Yates at the Auckland march. Photo: RNZ / Kate Gregan
Christchurch protesters speak to the mayor, demanding climate action. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Fleur Harris, 11, and Nela Hammer, 10, protesting in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
The Auckland procession passing through Queen and Victoria Streets. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
More signs in the crowd in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Demands are delivered to Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel. As she says change is needed, there are calls of "what are you going to do" from the crowd. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
Another sign at the Auckland march. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel responds to climate strikers' demands, saying they are important and change requires work from everyone. The mayor says young people should make submissions to Environment Canterbury (the regional council)'s long term plan. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
In Auckland there are chants of "people power", and "climate change has got to go, hey hey, ho ho", as the march gets under way. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
The Auckland march continues along Queen Street. Photo: RNZ / Carmina Blewett
Christchurch march organisers speak face-to-face with mayor Lianne Dalziel. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
Green Party MPs Eugenie Sage, Julie Anne Genter, with co-leader and Climate Minister James Shaw, and co-leader Marama Davidson, at the steps of Parliament to hear from the gathered climate change protesters. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
The Christchurch march comes to an end after a fiery confrontation with the mayor. An organiser tells the crowd this needs to be the beginning of their activism, not the end. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
Green Party MPs. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas