Kaikōura on New Zealand’s South Island has been designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, bringing Aotearoa a step closer to its goal of becoming the world’s first dark sky nation.
It’s the country’s third area to gain the status alongside Aotea/Great Barrier Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island.
The Kaikōura sanctuary covers 98 percent of the local district, with more than half of the area under protection from the Department of Conservation.
Sanctuary status is only awarded to locations that possess “an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment”.
Kaikōura is home to the nationally endangered Hutton’s shearwater, and the last two remaining wild breeding colonies in the world are in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
DarkSky International Vice President, Nalayini Brito-Davies says “This fact, combined with the knowledge that Hutton’s are adversely affected by artificial lighting at night, was the inspiration for the formation of the Kaikōura sanctuary.
“The designation is a testament to the dedicated efforts of many who have worked tirelessly over the last four years to get to this point.”
Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust Chair, Nicky McArthur says, “The journey has been a collaborative effort involving our local community, dedicated volunteers, environmental organisations and government agencies, all of whom played a crucial role.
“There are multiple benefits of preserving the natural darkness of our night sky, not only significant ecological benefits, but it also contributes to the conservation of energy through the use of efficient lighting solutions and provides many human health benefits.”
The Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust is now aiming for the township of Kaikōura and the surrounding area to become an International Dark Sky community.
The small Central Otago town of Naseby is the next New Zealand region set to be named a dark sky sanctuary. It’s expected to be the Southern Hemisphere’s first dark sky ‘community’. The town has been working towards the status for nearly eight years and has replaced every streetlight with downward-pointing LEDs that dim at 10pm.
Glenorchy, also in the Otago region, has also entered an official application in the hope of becoming the first inland mountain dark sky sanctuary.
For more information, visit Kaikoura Dark Sky.
