Earth Hour is coming

Come and join us to celebrate Earth Hour at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House Plaza, at 7pm on Saturday March 28, 2009.

The Hastings Earth Hour event is being supported by two local ambassadors: Dr Gavin Kenny, a local Climate Change Scientist and acknowledged contributor to the awarding of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to the IPCC, and Iona College Student, Victoria Tatam.

Dr Gavin Kenny grew up and studied in New Zealand, gaining degrees at both Massey and Lincoln Universities, then spent two years working in the United Kingdom. In the early 1990s he decided not to become a permanent part of the brain-drain and returned home.

Gavin has degrees in Horticultural Science and completed his PhD in Agricultural Meteorology and over the last 25 years has developed his interests in agricultural ecology, climate change and long-term sustainability.

He’s worked on climate change projects in New Zealand, Europe, Bangladesh and the Pacific Islands and a development project in northern Viet Nam.

Gavin has been based in Hawke's Bay since early 2001, working independently and focused on bridging gaps between science and practice.

He is a contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President of the United States Al Gore.

At 17 year’s old, Victoria Tatam is the head of the Iona College enviro-group and a member of the Hawke's Bay Youth Environment Council.

She’s studying chemistry, physics, biology, calculus and technology and has a huge interest in science – we welcome her as our Youth Ambassador for Earth Hour.

Make sure you arrive before 8.15pm to hear Gavin and Victoria, and our Mayor Yule speak about Climate Change and Sustainability.

Guests are invited to bring along rugs, a small picnic for supper and a torch to enjoy the festivities of the event.

Unplugged entertainment will be provided by local school groups, if you are interested in performing please contact Angela Atkins at Hastings District Council.

The street lights immediately in front of the Opera House will be turned off during the hour of darkness which should provide excellent viewing of the stars.

Weather permitting, some star gazing will be undertaken lead by a member of the Hawke’s Bay Astronomical Society.

Angela Atkins, Hastings District Council Waste Minimisation Planner and local Earth Hour organiser, says 2009 is also the Year of Astronomy.

”It’s a great opportunity to look up and learn more about what’s above us.”

If you are unable to attend the event you can still take part wherever you may be, by turning off unnecessary lights and appliances such as your microwave.”

“Switch off for an hour and see your world in a whole new light.”

ENDS

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