Thousands March In Support Of Copenhagen Summit

Auckland Saturday December 5, 2009 – Thousands of people turned out today in support of John Key taking strong action at the Copenhagen climate talks.

The Planet A, March and Concert for the Climate was held in Auckland. Over 4,000 people marched up Queen Street then gathered at Myers Park, to hear top Kiwi bands play in support of a good outcome at the summit. Performers included Opshop, Midnight Youth, Don McGlashan and Lucy Lawless.

Four thousand people turned out to show their support for the Sign On campaign today in Auckland with a march to Myers Park for the Planet A concert. The Sign On campaign aims to get John key to support a 40 % by 2020 emissions reduction target at the Copenhagen climate talks. Image copyright Phil Crawford, Greenpeace, New Zealand.

Sign On ambassador Lucy Lawless, right, leads 4000 people who turned out to show their support for the Sign On campaign today in Auckland with a march to Myers Park for the Planet A concert. The Sign On campaign aims to get John key to support a 40 % by 2020 emissions reduction target at the Copenhagen climate talks. Image copyright Greenpeace, New Zealand.

Sign On ambassador Keisha Castle Hughes and Greenpeace Executive Director Bunny McDiarmid perform to the crowd at the Sign On concert for the climate in Myers Park, Auckland. The Sign On campaign aims to get John key to support a 40 % by 2020 emissions reduction target at the Copenhagen climate talks. Image copyright Greenpeace, New Zealand.

Rhys Darby MC’d the event and the crowd performed a giant haka to challenge the New Zealand delegation at Copenhagen.

“It was the greatest music concert I’ve ever hosted,” said Darby. “It was the right mix of a serious issue and rockin’ entertainment. It was so great to see the younger generation getting the message and enjoying my polar bear skit.”

Similar events occurred around the country, including a march in Wellington which attracted 2,000 people.

Lucy Lawless: “We want our Prime Minister to know that the people of New Zealand demand that he commits to a 40% 2020 emissions reduction target. There is no Planet B so the health of Planet A, is fundamental to our future and economy.”

Don McGlashan: “New Zealand is a well-off, enlightened, stable country that prides itself on the quality of its environment. We should be a world leader in the fight to recognise the importance of climate change. Copenhagen is our Government's big chance to step up to that challenge.”

Opshop’s Jason Kerrison: “We can’t afford to stick our heads in the sand thinking some bigger country, some other generation, some other future will work it out. It's up to us to help the pendulum begin to swing the other way. So hear our collective message John Key, and take it to the rest of the world. Be bold. Lead. The time is now, the generation is ours."