Earth Hour on Saturday night

On Saturday [27 March] at 8.30pm, people in Rotorua and around the world turned their lights off for one hour to take action on global warming.

Over 2,500 cities in 120 countries committed to Earth Hour 2010 with international time zones meaning New Zealand flicked the switch to lead the world's Earth Hour event.

Rotorua District Council Business Manager Kerry Starling says many Rotorua people showed their support by switching off lights and other appliances in the evening.

"In Rotorua's Eat Streat a fundraising 'Longest Pot Luck Dinner' was in full swing, with tables illuminated by candlelight as the clock ticked over to 8.30pm

"The simple act of turning off household lights for one hour is a powerful symbolic action in respect of climate change and shows we can make a difference when we all act together," says Mr Starling.

Rotorua was among 47 official New Zealand centres which powered down. Landmarks from Auckland's Sky Tower to Alexandra's town clock went dark, all for one reason - action on climate change.

Thank you for helping make Earth Hour another great success this year.

For more information visit http://www.wwf.org.nz.