This weekend, New Zealanders will “fall back” as Daylight Saving Time ends.
On Sunday at 3 a.m., clocks will be set back one hour to 2 a.m., giving everyone an extra hour of sleep. New Zealand has used this system since 1927, with current times in place since 2007.
In spring, clocks are moved forward to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT), and in autumn, they go back to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST). However, the tradition of changing clocks twice a year has caused debate. Some people, including a group in Te Anau, have opted out of changing their clocks and want to stop Daylight Saving altogether.
Critics argue that the time change disrupts the body’s internal clock, known as circadian rhythm, leading to poorer sleep and slower reaction times. There are growing calls for New Zealand to adopt permanent summer hours, claiming social and economic benefits. A group called Take Back The Clocks is pushing for this change. The debate continues over whether New Zealand should keep or ditch Daylight Saving.
