Local Government

 Local councils can play a significant role to increase individual sun protective behaviour and provide supportive environments for sun protection. Key areas in which local councils shape our social & physical environment include:

• Outdoor facilities e.g. sports facilities, playing fields, and playgrounds 
• Swimming pools 
• Parks and gardens (including beaches) 
• Planning/Building Approval 
• Management of outdoor workers

A Sun Protection Policies and Practices of NZ Territorial Authorities Survey has been conducted by the Social and Behavioural Research in Cancer Group at Otago University. The findings are due for release shortly and will provide baseline information on the current policies and practices of territorial local authorities as well as key recommendations for moving forward. The preliminary findings suggest that few local territorial authorities have sun protection policies in place but that there is strong interest in developing such policies. Councils that have adopted sun protection policies include Wanganui District Council and New Plymouth District Council.

Other councils have shown a commitment to protecting their residents from harmful exposure to ultraviolet radiation through a range of initiatives. For example, Wellington City Council has erected a safe sunbathing glass-topped canopy (see More Info box for PDF) at one of its pools that allows swimmers to enjoy the warmth of the sun without harmful exposure to UV radiation.