Climate protest targets ANZ bank

Under the sea - it is a phrase from a catchy song, as well as the theme for yesterday's Extinction Rebellion protest in Invercargill.

A group of environmentalists hit the streets as part of the international movement campaigning for awareness over inaction on climate change.

They finished their protest at ANZ on Kelvin St, where they stationed themselves to demonstrate over the bank's support of the fossil fuel industry.

Protester Erin Crowley explained the sandbags placed outside the bank's entrance were to illustrate the need for action, particularly in Southland where sea-level rising would present a significant challenge.

A boat was also used in the protest to highlight that point.

"The climate is changing. We've seen it down here already ... we just can't continue the way we're going,'' Ms Crowley said

The boat was named Tony Gray, after a local environmentalist.

"We just want to educate people,'' co-ordinator Raylene Carston said.

"We're protesting because the world is being destroyed and the fossil fuel industry is a major part of that.''

Protests will be held in more than 60 cities around the world this week, the first being in Wellington yesterday.

Extinction Rebellion Aotearoa New Zealand national media liaison Simon Oosterman said ANZ was targeted "to push it to divest away from fossil fuels''.

"After rebels filled the Lambton Quay branch of the bank to declare a climate emergency, six individuals have glued themselves to the window in an act of civil disobedience to demand action on the climate crisis.''

The Invercargill group aimed for a peaceful protest, Ms Carston said.

laura.smith@alliedpress.co.nz