Earth Hour: 58% of Wellingtonians Switched Off

More than half of Wellingtonians showed their concern for the planet and switched off their lights for Earth Hour, according to survey results made public today.

According to the Colmar Brunton research done pro bono for WWF (the World Wide Fund for Nature), 58 percent of Wellingtonians over the age of 18 switched off their lights and non-essential appliances for one hour on Saturday 28 March.

Earth Hour is WWF's global climate-change initiative, encouraging people around the world to switch off their non-essential lights and appliances for one hour.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast says the results are fantastic news for Wellington. "Wellington City Council and the British High Commission supported Earth Hour in Wellington and we're thrilled with the news - we enjoyed great support from our residents, businesses and community groups and it's great to have this research confirm our experience.

"It shows Wellingtonians working together to take action for their environment," says Mayor Prendergast.
Buildings and landmarks around town switched off including Parliament, the Railway Station, Te Papa, the NZX tickertape and Council buildings. Around 500 people enjoyed the community gig in Civic Square and more than 50 Wellington businesses took part in Earth Hour.