About Dark Sky Network NZ
The aim of the Dark Sky Network NZ (DSNNZ) is to progress dark sky initiatives in New Zealand by providing a forum for certified and aspiring Dark Sky Places to share experiences, access resources, ask questions and get answers.
In September 2019, the representatives from 15 Dark Sky Places in New Zealand (both certified and aspiring) participated in the Starlight Conference in Tekapo (also attended by the Executive Director and Director of Conservation of the International Dark-Sky Association, IDA) making presentations on their respective dark sky places and the stages of their journeys towards certification.
At the workshop that followed, it was agreed by the Dark Sky Places in attendance that New Zealand pursues dark sky nation certification. In addition, it was agreed it would be beneficial for dark sky places to provide mutual support to each other for their certification as International Dark Sky Places. It was confirmed that the initiative will be led by a committee comprising of Professor John Hearnshaw and Nalayini Davies (co-chairs of the Starlight Conference 2019) and Steve Butler (Co-ordinator, Dark Sky Group – Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, DSG-RASNZ).
DSNNZ Personnel
Nalayini Davies
Immediate Past President - Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) Board of Directors Member, DarkSky International (DSi)
Professor John Hearnshaw
Emeritus Professor of Astronomy, University of Canterbury
Steve Butler
Board Chair, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve (AMIDSR) Leader Dark Skies Group, Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ)
Gareth Davies
Dark Sky Places Committee Member, DarkSky International (DSi)
The following two schematic diagrams illustrate the linkages between the different entities involved in the initiative to support the dark sky certification process in New Zealand.
The individual entities will interface as follows:
The closed Facebook Group will operate as follows:
DSNNZ History
2012
Aoraki McKenzie becomes an IDA Dark Sky Reserve.
2017
Aotea / Great Barrier Island becomes an IDA Sanctuary.
2019
Starlight Conference at Tekapo attracting dark sky experts from around the world.
Rakiura/Stewart Island becomes an IDA Sanctuary.
2020
Wai-Iti Recreational Reserve becomes an IDA Dark Sky Park.
2021
Dark Skies Workshop follows the Royal Astronomical Society of NZ’s 100th anniversary conference in Wellington.
2022
Martinborough /Wairarapa on the cusp of IDA certification, with many other NZ dark sky places aspiring to obtain IDA certification.
2023
Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve was accredited on January 18, 2023
2024
Oxford Forest Conservation Area Dark Sky Park was accredited January 30, 2024
Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park was accredited May 8, 2024
Kaikoura Dark Sky Sanctuary was accredited September 12th 2024
New Zealand Starlight Conference in Tekapo, 20-23 October 2024 https://starlightconference.org.nz/
DSNNZ – Facebook Group
A closed Facebook Group has been established to allow the official representatives of certified and aspiring Dark Sky Places to interface with one another. Please request to join.
Group ID: Dark Sky Network NZ
DSNNZ – Facebook Page
This Page provides a forum for everyone who is interested in our dark skies to share their experiences, access resources, ask questions and get answers.
Page ID: @dsnnz.org
Towards a Dark Sky Nation
A movement now exists to make New Zealand the first OECD dark sky nation. This initiative is supported by the Royal Astronomical Society’s Dark Sky Group and IDA. It is coordinated through this website and by the nominated Lead Advocates Nalayini Davies, John Hearnshaw and Steve Butler.
Contact:
Email: Nalayini Davies
Email: Professor John Hearnshaw
Email: Steve Butler