An exhibition of powerful South Island/Te Wai Pounamu dark sky images will be among headline events at Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Week next month, with a short film of time-lapse astrophotography among the attractions.
“Rangi Takō | Winterstellar” is a touring exhibition developed by Central Otago’s Winterstellar Charitable Trust to capture South Island’s darkest skies, showcase the Milky Way, deep sky objects, the aurora and stunning night landscapes.
The exhibition features 30 astrophotography works printed on Chromaluxe metal by 20 of Aotearoa’s leading astrophotographers along with a 15-minute astro time-lapse film accompanied by an original piano soundtrack.
“The show celebrates the wonder of the universe and the importance of protecting natural darkness,” Winterstellar Trust CEO and exhibition artist Andy Davey told The Star.
He describes the event as “gathering some of the best astrophotography in the world – including NASA-awarded pictures. A unique collection.”
The exhibition is being presented at Carterton Events Centre in partnership with Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, to celebrate International Dark Sky Week. It runs from April 13 – 20.
The programme “gives our community and visitors a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of the southern skies through world-class visual arts, while helping people understand why protecting dark skies matters,”
The programme “gives our community and visitors a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of the southern skies through world-class visual arts, while helping people understand why protecting dark skies matters,” said Wairarapa Dark Sky chair Viv Napier.
Among the activities will be the 2026 Constellation Art Challenge for young people, families and artists – an invitation to re-imagine the Scorpius/Maui’s Fishhook Constellation.
Scorpius is a zodiac constellation located in the Southern celestial hemisphere, where it sits near the center of the Milky Way, between Libra to the west and Sagittarius to the east.
Scorpius is one of the 48 constellations identified by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the second century, though it dates back much further – with records of its use in ancient Babylon.
Artwork entries can be in any medium but always based on the combination of stars.
The programme includes events and sessions covering such issues as:
- Sleep and the Night Sky – presented by Professor Philippa Gander and 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” – 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 and community engagement, Dare to celebrate the region’s remarkable dark skies and the stars which led its first settlers here some 800-plus years ago.
