Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has the third-highest cancer registration rates in New Zealand. The Cancer Society recommends everyone slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on some sunglasses between the hours of 10am and 4pm each day to protect themselves against skin cancer this summer.
"Those who live in the Bay of Plenty are spoiled with gorgeous beaches and beautiful weather but unfortunately this also brings the risk of overexposure to the sun," Ms Mounsey said.
"The crazy hat walk is a fun way of encouraging people in the Bay of Plenty to slip, slop, slap and wrap this summer to protect themselves and their family members from the sun's damaging rays."
Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby said he was pleased to see the crazy hat walk return to the Mount for another year.
"The Crazy Hat Walk is always a lot of fun but also carries a strong message for our community.
"With melanoma rates being the third-highest cancer rates in New Zealand we need to be cautious in the sun and do whatever we can to protect ourselves from sunburn and skin damage. I'd love to see the hats get crazier than ever this year as a way of spreading the sunsmart message and supporting the Waikato Bay of Plenty Cancer Society."
Prizes, refreshments and information will be provided for people taking part on the day of the Crazy Hat Walk.
The Cancer Society receives no direct Government funding and runs programmes free of charge for schools.
