Earth Hour 2010 proved five times more popular compared with the inaugural event last year, showing people are serious about fighting climate change and reducing energy consumption.
About 500 people gathered at the Hawke's Bay Opera House Plaza on Saturday night, compared to the 100 who turned out for the event there in 2009.
Meanwhile in Napier, many people enjoyed candlelit dining at some Ahuriri restaurants as lights were dimmed in recognition of Earth Hour, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
All around the country, major buildings like the Opera House powered down on Saturday in a symbolic move to show support for a sustainable future.
Those at the Hawke's Bay Opera House gathered about 7pm to enjoy African and Brazilian drumming before the countdown to Earth Hour.
Performances by the Hastings Boys' High School kapa haka group, Wesley Church Samoan Choir, fire dancing and a bagpiper followed during the hour of darkness.
There were also presentations from Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, Tukituki MP Craig Foss and Hawke's Bay regional councillor Liz Remmerswaal, who said the event was more than just a token gesture.
"It's not just turning off the lights for one hour one day, once a year, it's about building up a conscience of everything we do every day."
Nationally, however, it appeared fewer people had taken on the Earth Hour message. National power company Transpower reported that overall consumption dropped by just 2 per cent, compared to the 3.5 per cent recorded at last year's Earth Hour.
Mrs Remmerswaal said she wanted Hawke's Bay to look at initiatives being taken on board by other regions in the country.
"Here in Hawke's Bay we could challenge ourselves to keep up with Nelson City Council," she said.
"They are on a mission to become the first solar capital of New Zealand.
"In Wellington they have started a carpooling website, matching passengers up with drivers."
Earth Hour was sponsored by Hastings District Council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Unison, MoreFM and the Hawke's Bay Opera House.
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