Safe in the sun at New Zealand Racing Board's "Interislander Summer Festival"

The New Zealand Racing Board’s (NZRB) Interislander Summer Festival events attract approximately 180,000 people, including many families with children. Customer feedback highlighted the need for more shade protection to be provided at the events. With 35 events held nationally during the height of summer, the NZRB was keen to increase shade availability and encourage sun safe activities at these events.

The NZRB’s On-course Marketing and Events Team explored ways to improve sun safety and provide shade in public areas. In addition to the traditional covered grandstands at most racecourses, the events’ sun safety measures now include:

• allowing race goers to bring their own shade structures to the events, including beach umbrellas and gazebos
• providing hats to staff working in the sun
• providing free sunscreen to staff and people attending the events
• having the course MC make regular public sun safety announcements
• running children’s activities in the shade of trees (where possible)
• encouraging SunSmart behaviour among younger race goers by introducing a children’s activity based around Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap
• encouraging the pre-booking of small casual marquee packages
• providing shade for public spaces and queues, especially around children’s areas.