28 Sep 2008

Extended daylight saving applauded

5:29 am on 28 September 2008

A survey has found that while most New Zealanders support the extension to daylight saving, many dairy farmers are against it.

Daylight saving began a week earlier last year and finished three weeks later than usual.

It started again earlier on Sunday, with clocks being put forward by an hour.

The Department of Internal Affairs survey shows 82% of the general population approve of the longer daylight saving period, compared with just 54% of dairy farmers.

Daniel Burgess, a farmer from Methven in mid Canterbury, says daylight saving is upsetting and disruptive to both staff and animals.

However, he says the extension of the daylight saving period is better, because it evens things out.

The survey found other benefits identified were being able to enjoy more leisure activities and do more gardening and exercise in the evening.