Getting started

Reviews of successful projects with local councils show clear strategies were adopted, including:

• Putting a project team together.
• Taking a planned approach and developing a comprehensive project plan.
• Emphasising that the policy is for the safety of the community. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers in New Zealand. Melanoma and other skin cancers are a serious health issue, which councils can help address.
• Working closely with council and not giving up! Preparing evidence-based supporting documentation and finding a council staff member or councilor who will support and promote the issue.
• Using the media to inform the public about the benefits of a sun protection policy. Councils monitor the media to gauge public support for various issues.
• Evaluating the success of the initiative to find out what worked well and what could be done differently next time.

Before getting started, download our free resource (PDF, 7.7MB) about how to effectively work with councils.