United Future
Hon Peter Dunne

Dunne applauds daylight saving move

United Future is currently working with Nelson city councillor Mark Holmes to push for a three week extension to the period of daylight saving.

“I am delighted that the Minister of Internal Affairs is taking this proposal seriously and I am confident that his department’s research will lead him to the same conclusion that United Future has come to.

"That is to say, that an extension of daylight saving will contribute to an increase in the quality of life for many New Zealanders,” said Mr Dunne.

“The benefits of an extension to daylight saving present a compelling argument.

"Among these are:

∑ the positive psychological effect that an extension would have, enabling greater opportunities for recreational activities after work hours;

∑ a reduction in energy usage due to a decrease in the use of lights, televisions and other electrical appliances and;

∑ the extension of the summer tourist season, resulting in an increase in tourist-related activities and a longer high season for tourism operators.”

“Currently New Zealand enjoys only 24 weeks of daylight saving as opposed to 28 weeks without it. Meanwhile, the UK enjoys 29 weeks with the clocks forward.

"The precedent for an extension definitely exists,“ concluded Mr Dunne.