The campaign for official recognition of the district’s dark skies was launched at a community celebration last week at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, in Alexandra.
Prof Brian Boyle, of Queenstown, whose career in astronomy spans more than three decades, gave a presentation noting the significance of New Zealand’s role with Dark Sky reserves.
‘‘If you don’t think you live in a special place, you do now.’’
Based between Queenstown and Cromwell, he said he frequently tracked and captured the night sky above his property, but seeing 50% fewer stars than 10 years ago.
‘‘We need everyone to be more aware of the night sky.
‘‘Switching off lights and not using them when not needed.’’
He said protecting the night sky ‘‘is about sustainable lights so we as a community can grow together’’.
‘‘It’s a team effort — not just the community we live in, but the council and other agencies too, all of us as a whole.
‘‘We have to start now.’’
Winterstellar trustee and Central Otago Dark Sky Reserve Group chairwoman Monique Kelly also spoke at the event.
She flagged the significance of the upcoming total solar eclipse in July 2028, which had been set as the group’s deadline for accreditation and naming as an official dark sky reserve.
The campaign is being led by the Central Otago Dark Sky Reserve Group, a sub-committee of the Winterstellar Charitable Trust.
The group brings together members from mana whenua, heritage, tourism, hospitality, local government, agriculture and media sectors.
The project has been in the works since the inception of Winterstellar in 2019.
Earlier groundwork was done by the late Barrie Wills.
Winterstellar Charitable Trust chief executive Andy Davey started the organisation along with Paul Le Comte and Vicky Bowman.
Mr Davey’s background is in planetary science, having studied geophysics and planetary physics at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom.
He recently completed the Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy (AAA), New Zealand’s leading professional development programme for dark sky and astrotourism practitioners.
‘‘My involvement has since extended beyond personal interest.
‘‘I helped organise and host an AAA course in Alexandra and, through Winterstellar, have been actively involved in astronomy outreach, astrophotography, dark sky advocacy, public exhibitions and community engagement projects across Otago.’’
While Naseby is already recognised as New Zealand’s first Dark Sky Community, the new project aims for something broader.
He said a reserve would add extra protection to Naseby by covering the wider district around it.
Mr Davey said the project’s ultimate goal was to protect all of Central Otago.
International Dark Sky Reserve accreditation was awarded by DarkSky International rather than by local councils.
‘‘International accreditation requires evidence that local communities and councils are committed to protecting the night sky through appropriate planning, lighting policies, education and long-term stewardship.
‘‘We are therefore working collaboratively with local authorities and other stakeholders as the project develops.’’
The daytime programme on at last week’s event was free and included the first public display of Winterstellar’s astrophotography art installations, a drop-in desk for questions about the proposed reserve, lighting demonstrations, alongside a Matariki-themed school holiday programme and a presentation by Terrace School.
The evening programme included the official project launch, presentations from Charlotte Harding, of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve and the Island Stars team from Taiwan.
It concluded with guided stargazing in Pioneer Park.
DarkSky has certified more than 200 places since Flagstaff in Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001.
The list increases every year as new places achieve certification.
