Media release Embargoed till 6.00pm, Tuesday 17 Feb 2009

New Zealand looks set to switch off from Kaitaia to Bluff for Earth Hour

Thirty seven cities, towns and regional bodies across New Zealand have committed to WWF’s Earth Hour™ 2009. The list, which contrasts with one participating city in 2008, and includes all the main centres, was announced at the national launch, held today at The Langham, Auckland.

Chris Howe, Executive Director of WWF New Zealand, says “We are really pleased to add Kapiti, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wanaka, Nelson and Tasman to a comprehensive list of New Zealand cities, regions and towns that are now committed to taking part in Earth Hour 2009.”

“We are also excited to announce that Karen Walker is to lead a high-profile line-up of personalities, sportspeople and business representatives, who are supporting the event”, says Howe

Ms Walker, addressing the audience by video message says, “I am proud to be associated with Earth Hour because I really believe small things can make a difference. Every minute, of every hour, of every day, we can do little things to change the future´.

Other well known figures who have confirmed their commitment as New Zealand Earth Hour ambassadors are: Robyn Malcom (Actor), Samantha Hayes (Nightline news presenter), Malcolm Rands (Founder and CEO, Eco Store), Emily Perkins (Writer), Rob Hamill (Trans Atlantic rower), Miles and Indie Ratima (Big wave surfers), Rachel Brown (CEO Sustainable Business Network), Laurie Foon (Clothing Designer), Libby Liggins (Sir Peter Blake Trust Antarctic Youth Ambassador), Bob Field (Chair, Toyota NZ) and Mike Hall (TV3 weatherman).

Dairne Poole, New Zealand’s Earth Hour Project Director, says, “The simplicity of Earth Hour’s message is resonating strongly. 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 and 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.”

With 40 days to go before people around the world switch off for Earth Hour; this unique public awareness campaign could be the greatest voluntary action the world has ever witnessed.

The lights out initiative, which began in Sydney in 2007 as a one-city environmental statement, has evolved into a borderless event that has captured the attention of individuals, communities and businesses across the world.

In 2008, 28 partner cities across 35 countries turned their lights out in a united call for action on climate change. That number has been eclipsed in 2009, with almost 500 partner cities across 74 countries, including London, Paris, Rio De Janiero, Athens and New York, already committed to taking part in this seminal global event.

WWF’s national sponsors for Earth Hour 2009 in New Zealand are
TV3, More FM, Trade Me and Toyota Prius.

www.earthhour.org

ENDS

© Scoop Media