SunSmart communities

A SunSmart community can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer by making it easier for people to be SunSmart and avoid sunburn.

 

All New Zealanders, especially children and young people, will benefit from all groups in the community, particularly local councils, sports and recreational groups, and schools, adopting SunSmart policies and practices.

Local councils’ policies and decisions have enormous impact on the lives of people their communities. Local councils are key to better sun protection in a range of areas such as parks and playgrounds, outdoor sports facilities, beaches, swimming pools, outdoor events and sun bed salons.

Find out how to work with your council to make it a SunSmart Council.

SunSmart sport and recreation groups

Those enjoying outdoor sports and recreation are particularly at risk of harmful exposure to UV radiation during the months of September to March. Sports clubs and recreation groups can help protect people by making their facilities and events SunSmart.

Find our how to help your organisation run a SunSmart event.

Find out what other sports and recreation groups have done in the Partnerships section.

Download a sample SunSmart policy (PDF, 466KB).

SunSmart schools

Exposure to UV radiation during childhood and adolescence is a risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life. For more information on being SunSmart in schools and early childhood centres go to the SunSmart Schools website.