Aotearoa’s Largest Climate Education Event Sparks Nationwide Action Amidst Record Storm Season
AUCKLAND – In a powerful display of community-led climate action, New Zealanders have turned out in record numbers for the inaugural Aotearoa Freskival. From 17-19 April 2026, the event transformed local halls and digital spaces into hubs of scientific discovery, marking the largest coordinated climate literacy event in the country’s history.
Hosted by Climate Training Co, the Freskival saw participants across Auckland, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, and online engage with the Climate Fresk: a globally acclaimed, three-hour workshop that distills complex IPCC climate science into an interactive, collaborative experience.
From a Vision to a National Movement
Climate Training Co Founder Emily Mabin Sutton reflects on the journey from a single idea to a nationwide phenomenon.
"Five years ago, I returned to Aotearoa convinced that Climate Fresk could be something special here," says Sutton. "Since then, we’ve trained over 80 facilitators across the motu. This weekend was the culmination of that mahi: 12 of those facilitators leading 11 events for 100 people, stretching from Tāmaki Makaurau to Ōtepoti."
The timing of the Freskival was as poignant as it was practical. The weekend coincided with Aotearoa’s 10th extreme weather event of 2026.
"If anything, the weather made the kōrero feel more urgent," Sutton notes. "It was a timely, if sobering, reminder of exactly why we do this work. Understanding the science is the first step toward meaningful change."
Climate Reality: By the Numbers
The urgency felt by participants is backed by staggering new data. Kate Boylan, who facilitated two workshops during the Freskival, highlights the rapidly shifting environment New Zealanders are now navigating.
According to the New Zealand Wild Weather Tracker (April 2026 report):
A Storm Every 8 Days: The average frequency of storm events over the past year.
46 Storms Recorded: The total for the current reporting period.
33,000+ Insurance Claims: A 256% increase compared to the previous year.
Seasonal Shift: Data indicates storms are becoming more frequent and intense, particularly during spring and summer.
"Our climate is changing. So how are we? How are you?" asks Boylan. "We have to change faster than the climate. I’m stoked to have facilitated these workshops with such a lovely group of people; the discussions were fantastic, and the actions inspired were even better."
About Climate Training Co
Climate Training Co is Aotearoa’s leading provider of Climate Fresk facilitation and training. They empower businesses, community groups, and individuals to move from climate anxiety to agency through science-based education.
By breaking down the "why" of climate change in a collaborative environment, Climate Training Co helps New Zealanders build the literacy required to lead in a low-carbon future.
Media Contact:
Sue Cardwell, Director, Climate Training Co
sue@climatetraining.co.nz 022 369 1260