Stratford to switch off for Earth Hour

On March 27 2010, Stratford’s Glockenspiel Clock Tower will be in darkness for one hour in celebration of World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Earth Hour.

Joining in the global lights-out event, Stratford District Council encourages everyone to do their part in switching-off for an hour in a bid to save our planet.

Help lead Stratford out of the light and into the dark on March 27 at 8.30pm until 9.30pm by turning off your appliances and lights and be part of the biggest climate change support demonstration in New Zealand.

Earth Hour shows that a simple energy-saving act repeated by many can make a difference, and symbolises the massive public support for continued action on climate change. In 2009 Earth Hour saw hundreds of millions of people in more than 4,000 cities – including 1.5 million New Zealanders – turn off lights for one hour in a graphic demonstration of support for determined international action on climate change.

Earth Hour ambassador Helen Clarke said, “The support of councils across New Zealand has played an important role in helping WWF create a successful campaign for long term behavioural change”.

Chris Howe, Executive Director of WWF – New Zealand said: “Earth Hour provides Kiwis with a chance to demonstrate their commitment to protecting New Zealand’s and the planet’s environment. Take part and add your voice to the growing number of people who are prepared to do their bit. Climate change might be bigger than each of us, but it is not bigger than all of us”.

Earth Hour already has the support of 37 councils across New Zealand, and official partners include TV3, MoreFM, Trade Me, and Good Magazine.

For a full list of Earth Hour 2010 corporate sponsors, council partners, and ambassadors, pleas visit www.earthhour.org.nz.

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global campaign organised by WWF to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the steps need to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. Earth Hour is a message of hope and action.

About WWF
WWF-New Zealand is part of the WWF International Network, the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. It has close to five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. This is achieved by working on the ground with local communities, and in partnership with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy.