Christchurch Reduces Energy Consumption During Earth Hour By 8.1%

Christchurch gets behind Earth Hour as thousands gather in Cathedral Square to see the lights go out!

Christchurch's top musicians delivered an awesome performance, keeping the crowds entertained with four hours of original music.

The night kicked off with the sounds of latin guitar delivered by Dr Sanchez, followed by with the haunting voice of Hera and the mesmerising tunes of The Ragamuffin Children. The Easy Hearts added a touch of rock to the night building the tempo before the countdown to Earth Hour at 8.30pm.

Mayor Bob Parker lead the countdown and plunged Cathedral Square into darkness as the lights of the Cathedral, Chalice and surrounding businesses turned off in support of the global campaign.

Surrounded by candle lit The Eastern got the crowd on their feet; partying for the planet! Their high energy and the rawness of their performance was definitely a crowd favourite.

The Flip Grater Band brought Earth Hour to a close with a passionate delivery of an acoustic guitar-based repertoire bridging dirty indie-folk and delicate introverted lullabies.

The evening concluded with Environment Canterbury's Chairman Sir Kerry Burke announcing the city's energy savings of 8.1% for the hour of darkness. A pleasing result although less that the impressive 12.8% achieved by Christchurch in 2008. There are a number of reasons for this variance with activities such as the rugby taking place at AMI Stadium throughout the hour but it is still a great result and Christchurch resident's should be encouraged that their small steps can make a difference.

Thousands of dollars worth of energy efficient prizes were also given away throughout the night as part of the launch of the Christchurch City Council's Energy Awareness Week. Thanks to Right House, Penny Cycles, Solar Bright, Office Max and Terra Lana for their support and the donation of these great prizes!

See you all next year!

Earth Hour Unplugged

Saturday 28 March 2009

Christchurch Cathedral Square

6-10pm

Free Concert

Connetics Flick The Switch!

When the lights in Cathedral Square go out at 8.30pm on Saturday 28th March 2009 - it will be Connectics who flick the switch!

Connetics mission is to be New Zealand’s most respected multi-utility contractor, with a reputation based on our innovation, experience and competitive spirit.

Their approach is to bring their energy, unity and experience to every project entrusted to them. They want to see the job done right first time, while always looking for an opportunity to add that extra value.

Their core business is the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground lines, stations and all associated equipment and systems, but their capabilities don’t end there. They provide project management, maintenance
programmes, technical assessments, commissioning services, and full turn-key solutions.

They have a highly skilled design and engineering service providing essential front-end expertise, and a separate supply and logistics operation
providing materials and logistics services.

At Connetics they understand that a great result for you comes down to the work of talented people working well together. They put an enormous effort into keeping their people safe, ensuring they feel challenged and rewarded, and making sure that each person is allowed to grow.

They work hard to maintain a freshness in how they turn challenges into solutions, and ultimately into results that seem as simple as flicking on the lights.

For more information on Connetics visit http://www.connetics.co.nz

The Dux de Lux Will Light Up Their Courtyard For Earth Hour

For Earth Hour the Dux de Lux will be switching off all non essential power. They will have candle lit bars, courtyards and we will be having a candle lit setting for diners in the restaurant.

Their courtyards will be lit by candles on each individual table and flares throughout the gardens and walkways.

They will have Alex The Kid performing by candle light in our Tavern Bar and three fire poi performers in our courtyard from 8-10pm.

Visit - http://www.thedux.co.nz

The Press - Keeping Christchurch Informed

To read articles published in The Press relating to Earth Hour use the following link:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/earth-hour/?label=Earth+Hour

Celebrate Earth Hour in the Lyttelton Rose Garden

A chance to celebrate ourselves, each other and all that we have ....

Vbase Supports Earth Hour

Despite all of the Vbase venues being in use on Saturday 28 March 2009 - a conscious effort is being made to support Earth Hour!

Christchurch Town Hall - will play host to a concert by the CSO and a private wedding. But all exterior lighting will be reduced to a minimum for safety. All interior lights in areas not in use will be switched off. All unnecessary electrical devices will be turned off. And most spectacularly the lights on the Town Hall roof and fountain will be turned off.

Westpac Arena - will be busy with a large corporate dinner. But all exterior lighting will be reduced to a minimum for safety. All interior lights in areas not in use will be switched off. All unnecessary electrical devices will be turned off.

Christchurch Convention Centre - is the venue for the Armageddon Expo on both Saturday and Sunday showcasing a wide array of stars, events and contests.
Full details are online at www.armageddonexpo.com Expo organisers are supporting Earth Hour and all visitors are invited to attend Earth Hour Unplugged on Saturday night. Vbase will ensure that all exterior lighting will be reduced to a minimum for safety. All interior lights in areas not in use will be switched off. All unnecessary electrical devices will be turned off.

AMI Stadium - will host the Crusaders v Stormers rugby. Earth Hour messaging will be displayed on the big screen to a captive audience (who it is hoped will have all switched off their lights at home before coming to the game!). All unnecessary electrical devices will also be turned off.

Free Concert To Celebrate Earth Hour

A free Earth Hour concert will be held in Cathedral Square this month, as Christchurch attempts to beat last year's power saving effort.

The garden city was the only New Zealand centre to take part in the inaugural Earth Hour 2008, a global initiative.

"Sixty-three percent of Christchurch residents switched off their lights during Earth Hour last year, along with about 200 local businesses,"
says Mayor Bob Parker.

"We managed to reduce the amount of electricity normally used at that time by over 12 percent. It was a great effort and I'm sure we can do even better this year."

Taking place in Cathedral Square from 6pm until 10pm on Saturday 28 March, the Earth Hour Unplugged concert boasts a line-up of six local bands with Dr Sanchez, Hera, Ragamuffin Children and The Easy Hearts setting the mood, and The Eastern and the Flip Grater Band performing during Earth Hour from 8.30pm until 9.30pm.

Concert-goers will also have the chance to win great energy efficient prizes, including a home insulation package, new bike, solar lights, an eco-office package and an energy audit of your home.

The ChristChurch Cathedral and Chalice lights will be turned off, several short films will be screened inside the cathedral, and an energy awareness expo will be held in the square.

"We would love as many people as possible to come to the square to take part in the global celebration but, if you can't make it, please remember to switch off your own lights and non-essential appliances.

"I'm really proud of Christchurch residents and businesses who are all doing their bit to make our city sustainable. Our support of Earth Hour
2009 is evidence of our commitment to addressing environmental concerns.
It demonstrates, quite simply, that by many people making a small effort, a significant difference can be made," says Mayor Parker.

Earth Hour will launch the Christchurch City Council's inaugural Energy Awareness Week from 30 March to 3 April.

Experts on sustainable transport; business; building design; homes; and renewable energy will present free seminars throughout the week at the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Free bus tours to various sites demonstrating innovative energy efficiency will also be held during the week, including the Burwood landfill where landfill gas is collected to power the QEII recreation centre, the Gebbies Pass wind turbine and the Christchurch Energy Efficient Show Home.

Registration is necessary for the tours and some of the seminars. Please visit www.ccc.govt.nz/energyefficiency/energyawareness for more information and to register.

Walk For The Planet will also arrive in Christchurch in time to celebrate Earth Hour. During the 40 days of Lent, the group is walking along State Highway 1 from Stewart Island to Wellington to express concern for the wellbeing of the planet. The group left Stewart Island on Tuesday 24 February and will arrive in Christchurch on Saturday 28 March.

For media inquiries contact Karen Hamilton on 03 376 5338, 021 967 159 or karen@360degevents.co.nz.

Lights Out, Fun Starts

Christchurch residents will be showing the world just how much fun you can have after dark - with the lights off - when the city celebrates Earth Hour next weekend.

Next Saturday night (28 March) power switches will be turned off around the city as Christchurch again leads the way in demonstrating its commitment to protecting the environment.

Last year Christchurch was the only New Zealand city to participate in Earth Hour but this year 44 towns and cities across the country have signed on to be part of this global initiative which is being promoted by top celebrities like Cameron Diaz.

“People are really starting to swing in behind this initiative and are taking the opportunity to bring people together for a serious cause in a fun and memorable way,’’ says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince.

“We’ve showed the rest of New Zealand that we know how to have fun in the dark and this year they’ve seen the light and are following our lead. I think as the concept of Earth Hour takes hold in this country I think we’re going to see our businesses coming up with some really innovative ways of getting across the message that we all have a part to play in protecting our environment.’’

Earth Hour is on March 28 from 8.30 to 9.30pm. During those 60 minutes every one is encouraged to switch off their lights and appliances.

Some 95% of businesses in Christchurch have signed up for Earth Hour this year. Among those taking part in the tourism and hospitality industries are:

• Hotel So

Drinks will be on the house for guests at Hotel So who turn up during Earth Hour with a torch or a headlamp.

The hotel will be switching off all its main lighting and providing its staff with headlamps to use during the evening. It is encouraging guests to do their part by offering a free drink to those who turn up with their own light source. Guests will also get a free drink if they put an energy saving idea in the Suggestions Box at reception.

Guests wishing to work out in the gym or use the sauna during Earth Hour will be provided with headlamps, while tea candles will be used to provide additional lighting throughout the hotel.

• Christchurch Tramway

For the first time, Christchurch Tramway Restaurant will stay stationary for one hour during its evening dining experience, in honour of Earth Hour. This colonial dining car will truly revert back to yesteryear by providing candlelit dinner service for the entire evening. At 8.30pm, the dining car will sit stationary over the Worcester Bridge. Diners can still expect to travel around the city before and after the Earth Hour, ensuring they still receive the same unique experience.

Christchurch Tramway normally would operate until 9pm, however as an additional gesture to Earth Hour, the last tram will finish for the night at 8.30pm.


• Crowne Plaza

Sweet treats by candlelight await a group of high-profile Australian conference organisers who will be dining at the Crown Plaza during Earth Hour.

With sustainable conferencing a hot topic within the business tourism industry, the Crowne Plaza will be able to demonstrate that Canterbury businesses walk the talk and take their commitment to the environment seriously.


• Millennium Hotel Christchurch

A complimentary surprise 'taste treat' will be provided to all guests dining in Restaurant PikoPiko, or enjoying refreshments and entertainment in the Millennium Lounge, in support of Earth Hour, with a gold coin donation encouraged in exchange, that will be matched dollar for dollar by the hotel, to be donated to the World Wildlife Fund, the charity behind the Earth Hour movement.

All the hotels exterior and non-essential public area lighting will be switched off at 8.30pm. Guests will be encouraged to likewise switch the lights off in their rooms and either enjoy the Earth Hour activity in front of the hotel in the Cathedral Square, or in the hotel itself with dinner by candle light in Restaurant PikoPiko and Live Jazz by candle light in the Millennium Lounge.


• Peppers Clearwater Resort

The resort is to host a candlelit wedding. After dessert is served the lights will be turned off and candles lit as the wedding couple have their first dance. Wedding guests will be treated to the reflection of the beautiful Lake Kaikanui by candlelight. Diners in ‘The Lakes Restaurant’ will also have the opportunity to dine by candlelight.


• Canterbury Museum

Canterbury Museum will be in lock down mode from 8.30pm with only the security systems and other essential building systems operating. Also, the flood lighting illuminating the front of Canterbury Museum will be switched off for the night.

- Ends -

For further information and photos, please contact:
Anabel Darby
Mode Partners
Tel: (03) 379 2990
Mon: 021 668 090
Email: anabel@modepartners.com

Thousands Of Dollars Worth Of Prizes To Be Won!

Win these great prizes at the launch of Energy Awareness Week.

Be in Cathedral Square for Earth Hour Unplugged on Saturday 28 March 2009 from 6.00 - 10.00pm.

1 x retrofit home insulation (ceiling) to EECA standard (fully installed) courtesy of Terra Lana Products – valued at $1,700

1 x enviro-series elite chair (92% recyclable) plus a gift basket of EcoMax recycled office supplies courtesy of Office Max – valued at $850

2 x stainless steel solar outdoor lights courtesy of Solar Bright - valued at $600

1 x mountain bike courtesy of Penny Cycles – valued at $500

Plus there will be thousands of Ecobulbs™ given away during the night thanks to Energy Mad.

Small Changes Make Big Savings

Earth Hour 2009 will launch Christchurch's first Energy Awareness Week, one of 28 exciting actions planned in the city's energy strategy and funded by the sale of carbon credits.

Energy Awareness Week from 30 March to 3 April 2009 will give all Christchurch residents access to free expert information on how to save money and the environment by becoming more energy efficient at home, at work and on the roads.

You can also take a free bus trip to visit some of the city's innovative renewable energy and energy-saving initiatives, such as the collection of landfill gas from Burwood to power QEII and the Windflow Technology wind turbine factory - just samples of the many projects which have cemented Christchurch as a leading sustainable city in the southern hemisphere.

Programme of FREE lectures:

Monday 30 March - 12.30-2.00pm - Energy and Transport

Tuesday 31 March - 8.00 - 9.00am - Energy and Business (free breakfast served at 7.30am)

Wednesday 1 April - 12.30 - 2.00pm - Energy at Home

Thursday 2 April - 8.00 - 9.00am - Energy Efficient Building Design (free breakfast served at 7.30am)

Friday 3 April - 12.30 - 2.30pm - Renewable Energy

For detailed information about Energy Awareness Week - please visit http://www.ccc.govt.nz/EnergyEfficiency/EnergyAwareness/

To learn more about project the Christchurch City Council is undertaking in the Energy sector please visit -
http://www.ccc.govt.nz/EnergyEfficiency/Projects/

Local Personalities Support Earth Hour 2009

Mayor, Bob Parker

"Earth Hour is an important reminder that individuals can make a difference … many hands make the lights go out!"










Christchurch City Towncrier

"Every hour should be an Earth Hour … and one-hour is a good place to start!"

Julia Wareham, Christchurch Tramways


"It's time to put our world first - play your part and join us for Earth Hour."






Vicki Eaton, The Palms

"I believe that every person can make a difference - let's make 2009 bigger and better than ever by joining together to support Earth Hour."

Dr Sanchez ... with daughter Phoenix

"Earth Hour … it actually is better with the lights off!"








Hera


"I am proud to support Earth Hour. We only have one planet and we need to take care of her so she can continue to take care of us."








The Eastern


"We support the right to hope for the better, the right to change ugly habits and the right to dance in the moonlight with starlight on standby!"





Flip Grater

"I'm so pleased to be part of Earth Hour Unplugged - it is a fantastic event to bring the community together in support of our precious planet."

Christchurch Restaurants Support Earth Hour With Candle-Lit Dinners!

Celebrate Earth Hour 2009 with a unique dining experience at a restaurant in your neighbourhood ...

Fuze Restaurant and Cafe– 102 Major Hornbroook Rd, Mt Pleasant – http://www.fuze-on.co.nz/

Sezn Restaurant and Bar – 705 Gloucester St, Linwood – http://www.sezn.co.nz/

Freemans Dining Room – 47 London St, Lyttelton – http://www.freemansdiningroom.co.nz/

The Old Vicarage Restaurant – 335, Halswell Rd, Halswell – http://www.theoldvicarage.co.nz/

Indochine – 209 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch – http://www.indochine.co.nz/

The Lotus-Heart Vegetarian Café and Restaurant – 595 Colombo St, Christchurch (entrance next to Starbucks) – http://www.thelotusheart.co.nz/

Cocopelli Gourmet Pizza Bar – The Arena, The Palms Shopping Centre – www.thepalms.co.nz/stores/thearena/cocopelligourmetpizzabar

Coyote Café – The Arena, The Palms Shopping Centre – http://www.coyote.co.nz/

Fox & Ferret Public Ale House – The Arena, The Palms Shopping Centre – http://www.foxandferret.co.nz/

Retour – Cnr Cambridge Terrace and Manchester Streets - http://www.retour.co.nz/

Maddison’s Restaurant Bar– 28-30 Cathedral Square, Christchurch - www.heritagehotels.co.nz/christchurch/restaurant-bar

It’s Indi – 72 North Avon Rd, Richmond – http://www.itsindi.co.nz/

Maharaja – 3 Main North Rd, Papanui - http://www.maharaja.co.nz/

Chateau On The Park Restaurant - Deans Ave, Riccarton - http://www.chateau-park.co.nz/

Aikmans – 154 Aikmans Rd, Merivale

@ Tony’s – 85 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton – http://www.at-tonys.co.nz/

Nor'Wester Restaurant and Cafe - 95 Main North Rd, Amberley - http://www.norwestercafe.co.nz/

Curator’s House – 7 Rolleston Ave, Christchurch – http://www.curatorshouse.com/

Malaysia Delights Restaurant - 79 Manchester Street, Christchurch http://www.malaysiandelights.co.nz/

So-Ho Bar and Restaurant - 1 Riccarton Rd, Ricarton http://www.soho-bar.co.nz

Dux de Lux - Cnr Hereford & Montreal Sts, Christchurch http://www.thedux.co.nz

The Palms Shopping Centre Fires It Up For Earth Hour!

The Arena at The Palms is proud to support Earth Hour 2009 ... The heat will be on at The Palms restaurant and bar area from 8.30pm to 9.30pm for Earth Hour!

Some of CHRISTCHURCH'S BEST FIRE POI PERFORMERS will be lighting up one of Christchurch's darkest nights of the year. When the lights go off, enjoy a drink or dinner with friends while watching sensational fire poi fused with LIVE LATIN GUITAR and BONGO BEATS!!

Saturday 28 March from 8.30pm to 9.30pm at The Palms restaurants and bars (known as The Arena – Coyotes, Cocopellis and Fox and Ferret Public Ale House).

DID YOU KNOW?
- The Palms restaurant and bar area (known as the Arena) will be lit only by candle light to set the scene for the ‘Fire it up show’
- Shut down of internal and external power and lighting (however, some lights will be left on for security and safety reasons)
- All Neon signage will turned off
- Air conditioning will be turned off

EVERYDAY EFFORTS
- Carpark lights are on lux meters, which measures light, preferring to use natural lighting on bright days. Carpark lights shuts down to half at certain lux levels.
- Top pelmet lights on lux meters, As we have natural lighting with the sky lights in the Centre and shuts down at certain lux levels
- During the evenings the only Centre lights in use are the centre pelmet lights and only half of these lights are active.
- New Dyson Air Blade hand dryers have been installed to all our restrooms, which saves 6.5 tons of paper per year (Equivalent of 1 and ½ elephants)
- Air conditioning units work on economy mode which effectively uses outside air, saving power.
- All centre cardboard is recycled.

Earth Hour begins with the heart-felt acoustics of The Eastern

They bring… Backpacks full of road songs, battered acoustics and no name electrics, banjo and country bass and fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, foot stomps and old time singing, straight from the gut, the fist and the heart…

They believe in… kicks and sadness, heartbreak and hope, 12 bar blues and 12 round rock’n’roll, fistfights and dust, road songs and trains, justice and freedom, holding it up and putting it down, that long lonesome sound, the river rise, the gospel plow, scratches and skips, static and hum, bleeding fingers and beating hearts, pages and type, ink and lead, rain on tin, iron and wood, 33 and a third, 45, 78, boots on the floor, dirt in the cracks, guts, harmony melody and soul, thinking and walking, the road and the lines between, closed signs and flickering lights, nightfall and sunrise ...

To listen to the Eastern visit www.myspace.com/theeasternfamily

Be prepared to be charmed, intrigued, moved and occasionally shocked by the music of HERA!

New Zealand based singer/songwriter HERA has been living, writing and performing for 12 years now whilst carving out a very successful career in her native country of Iceland. Not an easy task given the global separation, but one that was richly rewarded in 2003 when she was named Best Female Artist at that year’s Icelandic Music Awards, a category dominated for the previous 10 years by global superstar Bjork! Hera’s Icelandic debut album also delivered her a Gold Record there being backed up by 37 live concerts in two months, the most extensive Icelandic tour ever undertaken by a solo female artist...

A prodigious talent from an early age, Hera began playing classical guitar in Reykjavik at the age of 8 building an impressive collection of her own self-penned songs by 13… In 1994 her family moved to New Zealand where she started playing her own shows building her a small but very dedicated fan base.

In 2002, one of Hera’s tracks from those early recordings, “Itchy Palms”, was fortunately spotted by the producer of a planned Icelandic film production “Hafid (The Sea)” and was chosen as the film’s title song with Hera being invited to perform it live at the Icelandic Premiere. The film eventually went on to win eight Edda Awards (Iceland’s Oscar equivalent) being distributed in over 30 countries worldwide. Hera moved back to Reykjavik…A recording deal was secured with Skifan Records and her career was launched!

Live shows continued through 2004 & 2005 with supporting slots for both Nick Cave and Joe Cocker in Reykjavik’s biggest concert arena. She also performed shows in Belgium, Holland, Italy and UK including a slot at the famous (and rain-soaked) Glastonbury Festival, ending off that year with a concert in one of the most remote places on the planet, Ammassalik in Greenland!

In 2007, after her return from the South by Southwest Music Conference in Austin USA. Hera was awarded a New Recording Artist Grant from NZ On Air. The result was the delightful uplifting debut NZ single “Feels So Good”! The music video, which was a huge success on the internet with over 100,000 You Tube views!

Now 25, Hera has returned to her “other home”, after an extensive tour of Iceland, and playing once again at the Glastonbury festival 08, and two shows in Denmark, promoting her new Live album ‘Live at AL’s’ which was recorded May 16th this year in Christchurch, NZ.

Iceland has given the musical world some diverse and wonderful musical success stories in Bjork, Mezzaforte and Sigur Ros to name a few. HERA is the next in a very talented and uniquely gifted line of artists from the Opposite Side of the World.

If this is your first time, be prepared to be charmed, intrigued, moved & occasionally shocked by the music of HERA!

For a sneak peak at HERA visit www.youtube.com/herasings

Fresh off their European tour; The Flip Grater Band will not disappoint!

Since hitting the NZ music scene in 2006, Flip has performed with musicians such as Ben Lee, The Shins, and Hugh Cornwall, and she has traveled to Texas for the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival twice, performing at the 2006 event within line-ups that included Kris Kristofferson, Flight Of The Conchords and Luke Zimmerman.

Her 2006 debut album Cage For A Song, turned heads across the folk and alt-country scene, with a track from it selected by producers of the hit US TV show Brothers and Sisters for the emotional final episode of their first season.

In 2007, Flip released The Cookbook Tour – a performance/travel journal and recipe book that has been heralded by NZ media.

Flip’s new album Be All And End All is out now through Maiden Records and is receiving rave reviews worldwide after her recent seven-country European tour.

For more information and interviews, contact maiden@maidenrecords.co.nz

To listen to Flip Grater visit http://www.myspace.com/flipgrater

Christchurch Tramway Votes Earth!

On Saturday 28th March 2009 at 8.30pm the Christchurch Tramway will vote Earth.

For the first time, Christchurch Tramway Restaurant will stay stationary for one hour during its evening dining experience, in honour of Earth Hour. This colonial dining car will truly revert back to yesteryear by providing candlelit dinner service for the entire evening. At 8.30pm, the dining car will sit stationary over the Worcester Bridge, while diners continue to enjoy the finest service, cuisine and beverages. Diners can still expect to travel around the city before and after the Earth Hour, ensuring they still receive the same unique experience.

Christchurch Tramway normally would operate until 9pm, however as an additional gesture to Earth Hour, the last tram will finish for the night at 8.30pm. International Marketing Manager, Joanne Small says “Earth Hour provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to show their support against global warming. Christchurch Tramway naturally wanted to be a part of the worldwide event. With the Restaurant Tram candlelit, the experience will be even closer to life as it was in 1927, the year the tram was built!”

There are still seats available for any person wanting to enjoy this special night onboard the Restaurant Tram. Contact 03 366 7511 for reservations.