Two individuals on paddleboards engaged with a large cruise ship in Otago Harbour (Dunedin NZ) on Sunday, March 10, signaling the commencement of a new climate action initiative concerning the influx of cruise vessels into New Zealand.
The climate activists intercepted the Majestic Princess cruise ship as she departed Port Chalmers/Dunedin at ~4 pm. Displaying a banner with the message "Climate Liberation Aotearoa They Cruise — We Lose!", they sought to draw attention to their cause.
Earlier in the day, they distributed a comic to the tourists, illustrating the environmental ramifications associated with cruise ship activities.
The Climate Liberation Aotearoa campaign represents an evolution of the previous Restore Passenger Rail initiative, now encompassing broader transportation objectives.
James Cockle, a spokesperson for Climate Liberation, outlined the campaign's revised focus, emphasizing four overarching objectives: reducing travel, promoting active transportation, supporting public transit, and transitioning to electric vehicles.
Cockle conveyed three specific requests directed towards the Climate Change Commission, the national government, and local authorities. These requests include incorporating international shipping and aviation into emissions budgeting and reduction plans, discontinuing subsidies for the cruise industry, and prohibiting cruise ships from visiting environmentally sensitive areas.