More than 7000 people marched through central Wellington to Parliament last Saturday as part of the global People’s Climate March.

The march was part of an international movement to mobilise climate action ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris this week when world leaders will seek a binding and universal agreement on climate change.

The diverse crowd in Civic Square included students’ unions, environmental groups, faith communities and political parties. They were eager to convey their conviction that John Key’s government should be taking action immediately to combat climate change.

As the vast group marched down Willis Street and Lambton Quay towards Parliament impassioned chants were accompanied by a brass band and the beating of drums; “5, 6, 7, 8, save the earth – it’s not too late!”

I call upon our leaders...to lead!

Strangers marched with a shared sense of solidarity with each other, their counterparts across New Zealand and those who would march the following day in cities across the world.

The protest wound up at the Beehive where the crowd was rallied by stirring speakers: Anglican Bishop of Wellington Justin Duckworth, Victoria University academic Pala Molisa, who hails from Vanuatu, and trade unionist Helen Kelly.

Bishop Justin emphasised the obligation that every global citizen has to add value to the world before their death. Currently, he said, we have taken more than we will leave.

He acknowledged passive participants in the march – those who couldn’t physically be there: flora and fauna, our unborn grandchildren, and the country’s most vulnerable.

Bishop Justin urged foresight; “I don’t want a future generation to clean up my mess.” He then addressed political leaders; “I call upon our world leaders to actually lead!”

Victoria University lecturer Pala Molisa, whose research focuses on sustainable accounting, shared his belief that “academics have a responsibility to be at the intellectual forefront of this movement.” He emphasised the importance of democracy and people-powered action, stating that “real power and change comes from the bottom up.”

He also condemned the destructive systems of colonialism and capitalism that have contributed to abuse of the environment.

"Our absolute obligation..."

Helen Kelly, former President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, brought the protest to a close. She echoed Pala Molisa’s emphasis on the weight of healthy democracy to bring change: “It is absolutely our obligation to keep fighting until we get a deal which saves this planet.”

Protesters were then invited to the Anglican Cathedral of St Paul for a short interdenominational service co-ordinated by Wellington Diocese, the Catholic Archdiocese and Caritas.

More than 130 people visited interactive prayer stations around the building which included an invitation to write a message to world leaders on a prayer wall, learning from and praying with threatened communities in Pacific islands and taking an environmental audit for their home and lifestyle. 

The five prayer stations, which will remain in the Cathedral until the end of the Paris Conference, have already attracted interest from scores of visitors, including overseas tourists.

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Harriet Winn has just finished the first year of a Bachelor of Arts programme at the University of Auckland, and will be majoring in history and religious studies. Harriet is considering a career in journalism.

Marina Mersi has also just completed her first year at the University of Auckland. She is also pursuing a BA but majoring in screen production and film.

Both Harriet and Marina are former students of Wellington East Girls College .