Ports of Auckland stops to remember

 
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 17 April 2009 - for immediate release
 
 
Ports of Auckland stops to remember
 
Ports of Auckland will turn off its lights and cease operations on ANZAC Day morning (Saturday 25 April) in honour of those who have served New Zealand.
 
More than 1,000 lights will be turned off for 40 minutes from 6.00am to allow for darkness for the Dawn Ceremony being held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
 
Lighting is an integral part of the Port’s 24hour operation, so work will also stop temporarily while the lights are not on for safety reasons.
 
Ports of Auckland spokesperson Catherine Etheredge said the company was this week preparing for the occasion, which has become an annual tradition.
 
“Turning off all of the Port’s lights is not a simple flick of the switch – the process begins around an hour before the lights actually go out,” she explained.
 
Ms Etheredge said the Port had been turning off its lights for ANZAC day for more than ten years at the request of the Mayor.
 
“Ports of Auckland is pleased to be able to participate in honouring our veterans and helping create a good environment for our community’s Dawn Ceremony proceedings.”
 
In 2005, Ports of Auckland upgraded its floodlighting system to reduce energy consumption and light spill at a cost of $900,000. 
 
“We continue to receive positive feedback from community members about the reduced glare and light spill from our operations,” she said.
 
For more information on ANZAC celebrations in Auckland City visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events.
 
ENDS
 

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