Greenpeace supporters

Taking a Walk on the Whales' side

In March this year, Greenpeace supporter Kate Anderson organised a 6km "Walk for the Whales" along Brighton beach in Christchurch. As well as raising awareness, Kate also helped raise $887 to fund the campaign to end whaling.
 
As the mother of young children and someone who cares for the planet, Kate wanted to take some responsibility for making a difference.

She believes in order for change to occur, there must first be a shift within individuals.

Events such as Walk for the Whales help foster that shift. They give children and adults the chance to learn more about a particular issue by taking part in simple actions that make an impact. They're also an opportunity to make new friends, and can help generate a greater sense of responsibility for our planet.

So what's next for Kate? "I'm committed to Greenpeace's work and I'll keep looking for opportunities to get others involved."

Choose to Act

Concerned that humans were ruining planet earth for all its inhabitants - plants, animals and fellow humans - Christine and Stephen Rose joined Greenpeace.

Christine is Deputy Chair of the Auckland Regional Council and is also a member of the Voting Assembly, whose role is to provide good governance to Greenpeace. "Everybody has something valuable to contribute and I can help with governance.

With enormous challenges such as climate change, deforestation and marine exploitation, now is not a time for anyone to be indifferent. We must all do everything we can for the one thing we all have a common interest in - a healthy planet.  We encourage making the choice to care, to act, to change the world."

Christine and Stephen describe themselves as politically active and anti consumerist and have also pledged to leave a bequest to Greenpeace. Why? "We are true believers in Greenpeace's work and we want to make a significant contribution to their excellent and successful initiatives."
 

Treading lightly, all the way to the Church

Julia and Jez are making sure their wedding has a positive impact on the planet. Determined that friends and family don't spend their money on things the couple already have or things they don't need - they've asked their guests to make an online donation to Greenpeace instead of giving gifts.

Julia says, "I'm grateful for all the work Greenpeace does and by linking our special day to Greenpeace we hope to send a positive message to everybody about what we believe in."
 
Julia feels strongly that governments should be doing more to stop climate change by investing heavily in renewable energies. For her part, she works hard to limit her impact on the earth in everything she does.
 
Thank you Jez and Julia: for remembering our planet on your special day.  We wish you the very best.

Recognise this face?

Simon Norrie has made his way around New Zealand an unbelievable seven times as a Greenpeace frontliner, and signed up a staggering 3260 supporters.

Well known for his animated style and distinctive clown pants, Simon says his job is "as easy as making friends with people".

"If you have a good sense of people's emotions and circumstances, frontlining is a fantastic job to develop your communication skills and expand your knowledge of the environment."

Holding up to six conversations an hour, Simon has noticed a huge shift in public opinions in recent years. Three years ago people were debating whether climate change was really happening; now there's no doubt. Still, Simon feels if we're to prevent the worst of climate change, New Zealanders need to actively call for strong protective measures.

After three memorable years, Simon is leaving to share his on-the-street expertise with Greenpeace Canada. We'd like to say a big thank you to Simon and make sure you send us a post card!