Student activists of Greens on Campus, assembled outside a council meeting on Thursday 28 March, to protest Auckland City Council’s decision to cancel several climate change prevention initiatives. The students are also concerned that the Council is cutting funding for sustainable transport projects, such as bus lanes and cycle ways.

Greens on Campus challenged the Mayor of Auckland, John Banks, to explain how the council would now address climate change. He explained to the group of over forty protesters that climate change was not his priority.

Elliot Blade, co-leader of the student group, stated, “We wanted to convey the message that by ignoring climate change and cutting funding for sustainable transport, Auckland City Council is seriously endangering the future of our city.” Using humour to get their point across, the students staged a mock debate on Queen Street between the councilors of 2008, dressed in suits, and the councilors of 2050, dressed in togs, snorkels, and flippers.

First item on the council agenda for 2050? Flooding in the Eastern Bays and Omaha, caused by sea-level rise and extreme tropical storms!

But underlying their antics, the group had a serious message. Ruby Haazen, co-leader of Greens on Campus said, “This decision has been forced through council by a few, misguided Citizens and Ratepayers councilors, despite opposition from the minority parties in council and the public.”

When asked to explain why the Citizens and Ratepayers on Council had decided to delete all goals related to preventing climate change from their Chief Executive’s objectives, the Mayor David Hay replied, “Central government funded by taxpayers and not local government and ratepayers can focus on climate if they so wish.”

However, the students say that attitude isn’t good enough. Ruby Haazen, co-leader of Greens on Campus said, “Climate change is a global crisis and we all, individuals, local, and central government, need to take action to prevent climate change. Most local councils in NZ are, for example, Christchurch City Council has reduced their own emissions by 30% over the last 10 years”.

Since the start of this year, the Auckland Council has also put several other sustainability initiatives on hold, such as their plan to appoint an Eco Advisor to make the Council more green. The Council has also decided to delete $28 million of funding for a transport program, called “Liveable Streets” that would have make Auckland’s streets safer and more pleasant for cyclist and walkers.

However, the students hope their action will convince the council to change their stance on climate change and sustainable transport. Elliot Blade said, “We hope this protest will convince the Citizens and Ratepayers Councillors that Aucklanders do care about climate change, and do want the council to take more, rather than less, action on this issue.