The programme, launched by the Otago-based astro organisation in August, aims to recognise special places in the region with exceptional dark skies, and strong support from their community and local authorities to protect and preserve the natural resource, and is designed as a first step to achieving Dark Sky International (DSI) certification.
In May, Mountain Scene revealed the Tahuna Glenorchy Dark Skies group was preparing to submit an application to DSI to become a ‘Dark Sky Sanctuary’ — at the same time, the Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park became the first in the Queenstown-Lakes to be officially certified, the ‘gold standard’ for achieving protected night skies.
Winterstellar chief executive Andy Davey says due to the scale of investment required, international accreditation can be unattainable for smaller communities who, "ironically, are often under some of the darkest skies in the country".
"We felt that if we did not act, or focused only on DSI recognition for areas that can afford it, many regions who currently enjoy breathtaking skies may soon lose them to developments with inadequate and poor lighting plans.
"Therefore we proposed our own WAS recognition programme."
Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies Project chair Leslie Van Gelder says they’re honoured to be the first WAS.
"We especially love the approach Winterstellar are taking in encouraging community groups in dark and starry places to come together, not only to protect our own sites, but ultimately to work as a team in protecting as much of our incredible region as we can."
