Three years after the south of Wairarapa was accredited as a Dark Sky Reserve, plans are afoot to stage a week of education, night sky awe and wonder across the region to celebrate the over-arching night sky we all share.
The proposed April 13 – 20 programme will take place in concert with International Dark Sky Week being celebrated by 250 dark sky places around the globe.
“Celebrating, Protecting, and Promoting Our Wairarapa Night Sky” is the theme of the project being planned under the leadership of Wairarapa Dark Sky co-ordinator Charlotte Harding.
“International Dark Sky Week provides an opportunity for Wairarapa to educate, engage in and celebrate its internationally-recognised dark skies,” she noted.
With an accredited Dark Sky Reserve spanning South Wairarapa and Carterton, and with Masterton already working to extend the protected night sky area across the region, “this programme will raise awareness of light pollution, promote practical mitigation and celebrate the natural night environment.” Harding added.
The week of events is to further strengthen long-term stewardship of the reserve, enhance community well-being, support sustainable tourism opportunities and reinforce Wairarapa’s position as a leader and kaitiaki/guardian in dark sky protection and advocacy.
The programme will include events and sessions covering issues like:
- Sleep and the Night Sky – presentation by Professor Philippa Gander uncovering the science of darkness and its importance to well-being;
- Bat Talk and Nightlife Presentation – Wairarapa’s nocturnal wildlife and their connection to natural light cycles;
- Lighting for Dark Skies Workshop – exploring practical lighting solutions which protect the night environment while enhancing design;
- “The City Dark” film – documentary on the effects of light pollution on life and wildlife in cities;
- Globe at Night Citizen Science – hands-on public participation in measuring light pollution across
the region; - Celebrating Wairarapa as a Dark Sky astrotourism destination, including:
- Astrophotography Presentation and Workshop;
- Winterstellar Exhibition – hosting friends from Central Otago alongside Wairarapa
- photographers in ticketed events and a free exhibition;
- Dark Sky Calendar Competition Launch – calling local photographers to showcase the region’s stellar skies in the Wairarapa Dark Sky 2027 Calendar.
The week is planned to provide education, community engagement and to celebrate the region’s remarkable dark skies – and the stars which led its first settlers to land here some 800-plus years ago.
Harding notes that funding is still to be secured for the event.
