Barefoot protest ‘powerful experience’

After two weeks spent barefoot in a protest against a lack of action on climate change, Nicola Chapman puts her shoes on. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

But it pales in comparison to the looming climate challenge, barefoot climate activist Nicola Chapman says.

Mrs Chapman, of Port Chalmers, finished her barefoot protest yesterday by slipping her shoes back on, on what was the final day of the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.

After two weeks spent barefoot, she felt liberated by her experience, albeit still having rather tender feet, Mrs Chapman said.

Going into Otago Girls’ High School, where she had taught English for eight years, was one of the places she had felt the most strange.

‘‘It was all a little bit scary to start with, but it did mean I had some great conversations with people,’’ she said.

‘‘It has been an unexpectedly powerful experience. I was so heartened by others who did the same, including my husband who attended business meetings in bare feet.’’

In true New Zealand style, many people had not mentioned her lack of shoes.

For those who did, the feedback had been largely supportive, only a few negative responses being posted on social media.

‘‘Some people thought I was a bit nutty.’’

Reflecting on the past two weeks, Ms Chapman concluded the central message to come from the action was that everyone had a part to play.

‘‘One woman said to me, ‘it shouldn’t be down to us — it’s about companies and governments’, but I think it’s everybody.

‘‘I would say, for every action you do, ask yourself: ‘Am I kaitiaki [a guardian], or am I being a plunderer? Am I taking care, or am I taking?’’’

New Zealanders can also have their say on the Government’s emissions reduction plan, submissions on which are open until November 24.

courtney.white@odt.co.nz