NZI gets behind Earth Hour

Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for collective action on global warming.

At 8.30pm on 27 March 2010 millions of people around the world and here in New Zealand will unite and switch off for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour began on Saturday 31 March 2007, when more than 2.2 million households and businesses in Sydney committed to taking action on climate change, by simultaneously performing one symbolic act - turning off their lights for one hour.

In 2009, nearly one billion people turned out for Earth Hour – involving 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents.

Earth Hour 2010 will continue to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future.

We’ll be switching off our lights

Weather and climate are core business for the insurance industry. We underwrite weather-related disasters by calculating, pricing and spreading the risk and then meeting claims when they arise. A changing, less predictable climate has the potential to reduce the insurance industry's ability to underwrite weather-related risk. This would have serious ramifications for the economies of those vulnerable regions where climate and weather risk is greatest.

We recognise that in order to continue to protect New Zealanders by managing their insurance risk, we all need to manage our resources better today.

Collectively, we can make a big difference, which is why we’re inviting our employees, our customers, our brokers, and our suppliers to all take part in Earth Hour 2010.  The biggest event in the world starts with one of the smallest actions - flicking a switch.

What can you do to play a part?

1.  Sign up and show your support for Earth Hour. Click here to sign up.

2.  On Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm turn off your lights for an hour.

3.  Make Earth Hour the launch of ongoing initiatives to support the long-term sustainability of your business and household.

Competition – win a free meal for two at Logan Brown!

Find out more at www.earthhour.org