Why is a climate activist group stimulating a voting campaign/movement?

Decades of activism, lobbying, petitioning, signing petitions, delegations and more has not resulted in our country following the science, enhancing democracy, keeping the planet sustainable, and a society based on equity, fairness, with strong social services (health, education, utilities and more). The many environmental and justice groups share this vision and are calling for system change.
One million people who could have voted did not vote in 2023. The majority of these people were under 40 years of age. (Bernard Hickey Oct 15th 2023). The most recent IPSOS research identified a high proportion of this demographic has deep concern that the government is for the rich and powerful. Can we get this demographic excited to vote? Can we vote the incumbents out, to get a government that represents the people and not vested interests nor giving way to intensive corporate lobbying?
This is why Extinction Rebellion Tāmakai Makaurau is stimulating this campaign.
Since the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government was elected last year, they have acted only in the interests of their donors and vested interests.

They have delivered tax cuts to their donors in the real estate industry. They’ve cancelled the Kermadecs Fishing Sanctuary, to the joy of their donors in the commercial fishing industry. They have rolled back anti-smoking laws for their mates in the tobacco industry. And, now, their proposed Fast Track bill will answer the prayers of their mates in the mining industry.

Is this what the NZers who voted for these parties had in mind? Certainly some of them did. Especially those who donated large amounts of money to National and Act. But, for a whole lot of voters, this will have come as a rude shock. Ditto for Kiwis who didn’t vote at all – the decision to not tick those boxes has implications.

But all is not lost. Join us in resisting this government and their agenda. Sign up to our newsletter and join like-minded Kiwis in letting this government know that I DIDN’T VOTE FOR THIS.