Events around the region will have a SunSmart presence this summer, giving people a friendly reminder to stay safe in the sun.
Cancer Society staff will be visiting events and beaches from December 26 to January 17, handing out free sunscreen and information, providing shade structures to keep people out of the sun, and selling further SunSmart resources.



Skin cancer prevention coordinator Catriona Findlay says the summer promotions aim to give event goers access to shade and sunscreen, as well as important information about skin cancer and its prevention, and other Cancer Society services.
'We want it to be as easy as possible for people to stay safe in the sun while they're at the beach or an event, whether it be the races, a food festival, a market day or a music event.
'The ultimate aim of these summer and beach promotions is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in our communities.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand with over 45,000 new cases every year, costing in excess of $33million annually.
In New Zealand nearly 300 people die each year from melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
'Sadly over 90% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to the sun so are completely avoidable,” says Catriona.
The Cancer Society recommends New Zealanders use SunSmart sun protection measures when the UV Index is three or above, particularly between the hours of 11am and 4pm.