An astronomer says New Zealand could become the second country in the world — and by far the largest — to receive nationwide dark sky status with a commitment to prioritising “responsible lighting”.
A 25-square-kilometre park in the Queenstown-lakes district of Otago has been announced as the latest internationally certified “dark sky park” according to non-profit organisation Dark Sky International.
Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park now joins more than 210 other places globally that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy, striving to protect the night from light pollution.
Gareth Davies from Dark Sky International told Breakfast this morning: “We want to preserve these dark skies for our children and our children’s children.
“This is not about astronomy, this is something from the heart, because it comes from our ancestors. It’s what our ancestors saw hundreds of years ago. That’s the incredible thing.”
He said New Zealand’s skies are among the darkest in the world, and he hopes that more parts of the country will commit to “responsible lighting” as the first step toward achieving dark sky nationhood.
“It’s the first block for Otago and we want to be able to bring as much of the country in as possible.”
He said the night sky is particularly important in New Zealand’s culture.
“It’s such a special resource, we recognise the dark sky in Matariki as New Zealanders and we want to become the first dark sky nation.
“If you go out there and you see that amazing sky, it is truly something.”
Niue is the only country in the world that’s entirely designated as a dark sky place.