Earth Hour New Zealand 2012

Tauranga successfully led the New Zealand Earth Hour celebrations this year, in recognition of the local community's efforts to clean up their environment after the Rena oil spill disaster struck six months ago.

More than 1500 people, including many families with young children, ventured along to Sulphur Point for a night market and acoustic concert to mark Earth Hour.

A pledge wall attracted one thousand planet-saving promises from locals, including recycling more to driving less and conserving water. In return Bayfair Shopping Centre will donate one dune plant for every pledge.

New Zealand's tallest building, Sky Tower switched off as the Auckland skyline darkened to mark the global lights out for the planet event.

Community events happened nationwide, including barn dance in Selwyn, magical lantern riverwalk and sustainable film festival in Geraldine, and Hamilton's Mayor launched an e-waste centre.

ENDS

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