An 18-year-old climate activist wants the government to have a sharper focus on the climate in the new year.

Sophie Handford led this year's school climate strikes across the country - and she's now been elected as a Kapiti Coast district councillor.

Handford told Tim Dower Greta Thunberg has been a great influence to young Kiwi climate activists.

She says there's more work to be done, but she's pleased with the progress they're making.

"Our politicians have almost felt forced to respond to us and have felt pressured by us already which is good considering we've only had three events."