Auckland City Council
Media release

23 March 2009

Countdown to Earth Hour

The countdown to Earth Hour has begun, and with just over a week to go Auckland City Council is encouraging residents to join them in showing support for combating climate change.

The message is simple. Switch off your lights and appliances for one hour at 8.30pm on Saturday, 28 March.

Landmarks around Auckland that will be switching off for Earth Hour include the Skytower, Mission Bay Fountain, Tamaki Drive pohutakawa uplighting, Jellicoe Park fountain, Auckland Domain fountain, Auckland Museum and more.

What can you do?

• Switch off your lights at 8:30pm on the night of Earth Hour

• Turn off any unnecessary appliances

• Spread the word to neighbours, friends, family and colleagues

• If you live in a tall apartment building, you are even more visible. Let your neighbours in other apartments know about Earth Hour and see if your building can have the fewest lights on. Talk to the property manager about turning off any ornamental lighting that is not needed for security reasons.

Earth Hour was established by the World Wildlife Fund and began in Sydney, Australia, in March 2007. Over two million Sydney residents and two thousand businesses turned off their lights and appliances for one hour. In 2008 the initiative went global and 50 million people across 35 countries participated in the switch-off, proving that the collective actions of individuals can change the world. This year, Earth Hour aims to reach 1000 cities and 1 billion people.

For more information on Earth Hour and what you can do to show support visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/environment/earthhour or www.earthhour.org.nz

ENDS

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