Climate action group deflating Aucklanders' SUV tyres vows to step up action, says they have public support

Tyre Extinguishers says they haven't heard from the police yet about their actions.
Tyre Extinguishers says they haven't heard from the police yet about their actions. Photo credit: Photo credit: Image - Twitter @conorroberts / @T_Extinguishers

Climate action group Tyre Extinguishers, which has been deflating the tyres on utes and SUVs in Auckland, has vowed to increase their actions.

The group has received a large amount of backlash for its actions, however it told Newshub Kiwis should expect more.

"This will spread and more actions are planned," the spokesperson who didn't want to be identified said.

The spokesperson couldn't put a number on how many SUVs and utes have been targeted so far in Aotearoa but promised "it will increase".

The climate action group has received criticism after Auckland residents who had been targeted shared their frustration online.

But the spokesperson told Newshub there is more public support than one would think and it has even received emails requesting vehicles to be targeted.

"Plenty of SUVs and Land Rovers down [address]. Number 35 has several gas guzzlers. Go for it!" one message apparently read.

After defeating the tyres on SUVs members of the group left pamphlets outlining why their tyres had been deflated.

The pamphlet titled "ATTENTION - your gas guzzler kills" admitted to deflating the tyres but urged those at the receiving end to not take it personally.

"We have deflated one or more of your tyres, you'll be angry, but don't take it personally. It's not you, it's your car," part of it read.

The group is taking matters into their own hands because they believe "there is no time left".

"Asking and protesting politely for climate action has failed."

Tyre Extinguishers want to see bans on SUVs in urban areas.

"Pollution levies to tax SUVs out of existence, and massive investment in free comprehensive public transport."

They warn until politicians take effective action, their tyre action will continue.

The spokesperson said New Zealand police haven't approached them about their action.