The University was among the first New Zealand organisations to endorse the march, encouraging students and staff to take part. The event on Friday 27 September was the third climate strike this year and the school student organisers called on individuals and organisations to join in.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford and Provost Professor Wendy Larner were among the staff who joined with the students marching down Kelburn parade to join the main march and students from the other campuses at Te Ngākau Civic Square, and on to Parliament.
Professor Guilford says climate change is the most significant challenge facing the world today and the University is committed to playing its part to fight it.
“There is a pressing need for universities like ours to lead change. We do this through our teaching and research, by reducing our own carbon footprint, and through positive, collective action like this. As a global-civic University, we encourage our staff and students to show leadership and to engage with important social, environmental, and cultural issues locally, nationally and globally.”