Thousands of pupils rose up in a "historic" climate protest across the South yesterday and have made it clear they are not done fighting yet.
Young people from schools in Otago and Southland left classrooms and took to the streets to urge the Government for more action on climate change as part of the global School Strike 4 Climate.
They demanded a range of actions including keeping temperature rise under 1.5degC and divesting from fossil fuels more quickly.
In Dunedin many started the march at Logan Park High School and made their way to the Octagon, picking up supportive university students along the way.
Co-organiser Zak Rudin (16), of Logan Park High School, said to the crowd as pupils they were not able to vote, so going on strike was the most efficient way to have their voices heard.
They would be learning more at the protest about social justice than in a classroom, he said.
Crowd number estimates ranged from 900 to 1200.
"The turnout was amazing. It's exceeded our expectations. It's overwhelming the amount of support we have," Zak said.
The next step was to talk to climate groups across the country, but there would be more action in some form, he said.
Bayfield High School pupil Emilia Haszard said she went on strike because the Government was not doing enough to save the planet.
"This is not a sustainable way to live and we need to make a difference," Emilia said.
Kaikorai Valley College pupil Campbell Ward said he thought the Government was making progress.
"But governments abroad also need to be shown. This is also sending a message to the world that we want change."
Dunedin South Labour MP Clare Curran was at the march and said it was "absolutely historic".
"They are so sure of themselves ... and they're right."
In Queenstown about 100 people, many of them Wakatipu High School pupils, marched along the town's Marine Pde yesterday afternoon.
One pupil, Olivia Waters, said she was there to "walk in solidarity" with pupils around the world.
"We're here to show that, as young people, we're not happy with the advancements in climate change action."
The chant "save our planet, fight for our future" echoed through Wanaka yesterday afternoon as about 200 schoolchildren and members of the public marched through the town.
At the front of the pack was 12-year-old Mount Aspiring College pupil Lulu Petit, who said climate change was a "big problem" and action was needed urgently.
Fellow pupil Jorja Miles (11) said the march went "really well" and worked well with the car-free trial in operation in the town centre, which allowed marchers to walk down the middle of Ardmore St.
Dozens of Invercargill secondary school pupils marched through the streets of the city.
Protest organiser Enoch Surendran (10), of Verdon College, said time was running out.
"If we don't act now, we won't be able to save it. It is our future and if the adults aren't going to act, we will."
