Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
A small group of climate protesters hoping to confront Prime Minister Christopher Luxon were left disappointed after he entered a Dunedin event through a different entrance than the one they had targeted.
Around a dozen members of Climate Liberation Aotearoa gathered outside the Dunedin Public Art Gallery on Friday as the Prime Minister attended the annual Class Act Awards, which recognise outstanding achievement among Otago secondary school students.
The protesters positioned themselves at a rear entrance, hoping to speak directly with Luxon about the Government’s climate policies. However, Luxon arrived through the front entrance, avoiding the gathering altogether.
Speaking to media, protesters said they were disappointed they did not get the opportunity to engage with the Prime Minister.
“We’re here to see our Prime Minister and remind him of his job,” one protester said.
The group argued that Government policies are undermining efforts to address climate change and putting the future of young New Zealanders at risk, particularly the students being celebrated at the awards ceremony.
According to reports from the scene, police maintained a visible presence around the venue. Journalists also observed what appeared to be a police staff photographer taking photographs of the demonstrators. Protesters were reportedly outnumbered by police officers stationed at the event.
The protest comes as climate activism continues to feature prominently in New Zealand’s political landscape, with campaign groups increasingly seeking direct engagement with political leaders ahead of the 2026 General Election.
While the demonstration attracted attention outside the gallery, the focus inside remained firmly on recognising academic excellence and leadership among Otago’s top secondary school students.
CVNZ News Perspective: The contrasting scenes highlighted two competing visions for New Zealand’s future: one celebrating the achievements of the next generation, and the other warning that environmental decisions made today will shape the opportunities available to those same young people in the years ahead.
