Lights Out For Earth Hour: Event Launch

Hastings District Council will be a shining light for environmental awareness when the lights are turned out for Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28.

Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative. Individuals, businesses and governments will turn out their lights for one hour to show their support for action on climate change.

In 2009 Earth Hour aims to reach 1 billion people in 1,000 cities.

Hastings will be joining 36 New Zealand cities, towns and regional bodies involved in Earth Hour next month as the push to switch off gathers momentum.

Earth Hour 2009 is being held on Saturday March 28, 2009 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm and the event will be held in the Hawke’s Bay Opera House Plaza on the evening of the March 28 with support from various community organisations.

Angela Atkins, Hastings District Council Waste Minimisation Planner is coordinating the celebrations here in Hastings.

“Holding an event here is a great opportunity for Hastings to lead the way on sustainability awareness in the Hawke’s Bay.

“It would be awesome if we could achieve similar savings and drive the same participation that Christchurch achieved last year.”

In 2008, Christchurch signed up as a partner city - 63% of the city took part and a 12.8% energy reduction was achieved during the hour.

New Zealand’s Earth Hour Project Director, Dairne Poole, felt the simplicity of the event resonated with Kiwis.

“We are thrilled to have an array of high profile figures behind us, and with such support, are confident this year’s event will be a massive success. The response across the country has been nothing short of astonishing.

“We urge every New Zealander to sign up to the website, join the Earth Hour community, and turn off your lights and unnecessary appliances on 28 March at 8.30pm.”


Dairne Poole, will be here in Hastings on Monday 23rd February with the Earth Hour branded Toyota Prius car to promote the event.

The media can meet us outside the Hawke's Bay Opera House on Hastings Street at 12.30pm to find our more about Earth Hour and discuss it with our Mayor Lawrence Yule, Councillors and Council Staff.

“Switch off for an hour and see your world in a whole new light.”