KEY POINTS:
WWF has asked all New Zealand towns and cities to sign up as for Earth Hour 2009.
Dairne Poole, WWF New Zealand's climate change manager and New Zealand project director for Earth Hour 2009, said the invitations had been sent to all mayors, inviting them to sign up as partners and involve their city or town in the worldwide climate change event.
This year, Earth Hour was celebrated by 28 partner cities around the world, including Christchurch.
People, businesses and organisations turned out their lights for an hour to show their commitment to fighting climate change. More than 50 million people in 35 countries took part.
Sixty-three per cent of Christchurch's residents took part, achieving a 12.8 per cent reduction in the city's energy use.
"The number of people who committed to Earth Hour 2008 was inspiring," said Ms Poole.
"It shows people want to do their part to tackle climate change. For 2009, we are spreading the Earth Hour message even wider.
"We're inviting all cities and towns in New Zealand to show leadership on sustainability on behalf of their citizens, in becoming Earth Hour partners."
Next year, hundreds of cities around the world are expected to sign up to Earth Hour, involving more than a billion people, making it the world's largest ever environmental event.
Earth Hour 2009 will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.
An official launch will be held this year, when the New Zealand towns and cities taking part will be announced.
www.earthhour.org
