A climate activist attempted to pay a court levy with a hand-drawn $50 note in a publicity stunt. It came after he held an A3 paper sign saying "it’s a climate emergency" at Dunedin Airport in July last year. Yesterday, outside the Dunedin Courthouse, he explained the $50 note he drew featured a portrait of Shane Jones, a vulture instead of kōkako and cannabis leaves. Bruce Mahalski holds the $50 note he drew to pay his court levy. The listing noted the highest bidder would also receive the payment receipt and an "it’s a climate emergency" T-shirt.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 07, 2026 16:17 UTC