Ngāpuhi Activist Mike Smith's Climate Case at UN Summit

Ngāpuhi activist Mike Smith's case

Bianca Ranson presented her father's legal case against climate polluters at UN's COP31 summit in Türkiye.

Government blocked Smith's case

The government stopped Smith's legal action against major emitters after passing a law change in August.

Smith's legal challenge

Smith's case against Fonterra, Z Energy and other major emitters was due to be heard in the High Court next April.

New case filed in June

Smith challenged the government's law change through a new High Court case filed in June.

Climate impact on Māori

Climate change disproportionately affects Māori communities through cultural sites and health risks.

Ranson's key question

Ranson highlighted the unanswered question of where responsibility for climate harm can be tested.

“A central question has really remained unanswered - and that is where could the responsibility for alleged harm actually be tested?”

What happens next

Ranson hopes sharing Smith's case gives momentum to pressure governments on climate action.