# Ngāpuhi Activist Mike Smith's Climate Case at UN Summit

> Ngāpuhi activist Mike Smith's legal challenge against climate polluters gets international spotlight at UN's COP31 summit.
- Title: Ngāpuhi Activist Mike Smith's Climate Case at UN Summit · RNZ
- Summary: Ngāpuhi activist Mike Smith's legal challenge against climate polluters gets international spotlight at UN's COP31 summit.
- Keywords: ngāpuhi, mike smith, cop31, climate torts, fonterra, z energy, new zealand, climate change, māori communities, indigenous climate justice, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/environment_climate/2549725/ngapuhi-activist-mike-smith-s-case-spotlighted-at-un-s-cop31-climate-summit
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-11T17:28:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ngāpuhi, mike smith, cop31, climate torts, fonterra, z energy, new zealand, climate change, māori communities, indigenous climate justice, politics, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Ngāpuhi activist Mike Smith's case against major emitters is highlighted at UN's COP31 climate summit after government blocked his legal action.