A Dunedin 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. Today 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 fine. Last time the activist was ordered to pay the same fee, he paid with a real $50 note inside a bag of coal.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 06, 2026 22:11 UTC