Organised by senior pupils involved in the Mount Aspiring College (MAC) Sustainability Committee, the crowd of pupils, parents, community organisation representatives and members of the public made their way from Lismore Park to the centre of town, completing two loops of the CBD before ending the march at the Dinosaur Park.
At the front of the march were more than two dozen MAC pupils, many carrying banners and placards, and led through a series of chants over megaphone by MAC Sustainability Committee member James Watson, 17.
As they walked, their chants demanding climate action were met with cheers, applause and enthusiastic tooting by members of the public.
The nationwide strikes represent part of New Zealand’s contribution to the international movement School Strike For Climate, also known as Fridays For Future.
Speaking at the end of the march, James said it was important that Wānaka was represented in the nationwide movement.
"We are one of the bigger populations in Central Otago and there’s not many strikes near us to show that, actually, this beautiful area needs action."
The group’s demands include the continuation of the oil and gas ban, upholding Te Titriti o Waitangi "in all policies and actions", bringing an end to fast-track legislation that would support environmentally damaging projects, protecting moana (ocean) and conservation land and accessible climate education for everyone.
The group are also calling for the granting of emergency humanitarian visas to Palestinians with family in New Zealand, the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian people and a demand for "an end to Israel’s illegal occupation and blockade of Palestinian Territories".
MAC pupil and committee member Elsa Buckley, 17, said the large turnout and positive response to the march underlined the importance of taking strike action.
"Often it just goes unsaid, and then nothing happens and we end up with problems like this.
"We really need to take action now."
James and Elsa’s climate advocacy did not end with the march — the pair also took part in a panel discussion at Wānaka’s Aspiring Conversations festival on Sunday alongside School Strike 4 Climate founder Sophie Handford, Wao Aotearoa founder Monique Kelly and climate scientist Jim Salinger.
While the pupils admitted they were feeling starstruck prior to the panel, James said it was "really cool" today’s youth were being given a voice in such an important discussion.
"I’m quite excited that we have been recognised as a population needing to be heard," James said.
