Porirua residents are waking up today having lost an hour’s sleep, as daylight saving officially began overnight, signalling the approach of summer.
Clocks jumped forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday, with the annual time change now in effect until April 6. While digital devices updated automatically, many households were left scrambling to adjust analogue clocks, appliances, and vehicle displays.
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The shift means lighter evenings and more time outdoors, but it also comes with a timely reminder from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to check smoke alarms and review home escape plans.
“Fire moves fast. You have less than three minutes before a fire is unsurvivable,” said Tom Ronaldson, community education and behaviour change manager. “We’re asking you to make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway.”
Ronaldson encouraged residents to test alarms, by pressing the button until a beep sounds, and clean them using a vacuum or duster. He said the start of daylight saving is a good opportunity for families to revisit their emergency escape plans.
“To create a three-step escape plan, check you have working smoke alarms in the right places, identify your first and second escape routes from each room and agree on a safe meeting place,” he said.
With school holidays underway, Ronaldson added that running through the plan could be both fun and informative for children.
Daylight saving will end at 3am on Sunday, 6 April 2025.