As mass school walkout looms Jacinda Ardern says climate change is 'biggest issue facing next generation'

March 13, 2019

Jacinda Ardern would not say whether she supports students’ planned school walkout over climate change inaction.

Jacinda Ardern says the planned climate change protest that will see thousands of New Zealand students skip school on Friday is a decision for students and their parents.

Today the Prime Minister was asked by media whether she supports the protest.

"[I] absolutely understand and expect the next generation to raise what is the biggest issue facing them globally.

"It's only right that I hear them out on that, but when it comes to the decision, that's a matter for them and their parents."

When asked if she would encourage students to strike on Friday, Ms Ardern said she would like to hear their view "on what they would want to do".

"If Neve (her daughter) asked me, we'd have that discussion. That's what I expect every parent and student will likely be doing."

But she would not answer if she supported the students striking during school time. 

"Those decisions aren't my decisions, those are decisions for students and their parents. 

"We are going to talk with them, listen to them, hear them, we have to, climate change is the challenge they are telling us it is."

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