This nationally representative study exploring public perceptions of both artificial light and natural darkness at night is the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand, and possibly globally.
Ministry for Environment
Light, odour and noise pollution can be a major nuisance, cause risks to health and reduce quality of life. P.24
Ministry for Environment
Night skies and light pollution P57
There is increasing awareness of the importance of night skies, alongside growing recognition that this resource is being compromised by light pollution from human activities. Naturally dark night skies are important for multiple reasons, including:
Artificial Night Sky Brightness
Stats NZ 2018
Stars, planets, the moon, and the Milky Way are the most prominent features of the night sky, but light pollution (artificial light scattered in the atmosphere) can obscure our view of these objects. At times the night sky can be completely shrouded, especially in and near cities, but even areas far from human-made light sources can be affected.
We present data measuring artificial light pollution and the visibility of night skies across the country.
Royal Society Te Aparangi 2018
Did you know the amount of blue light you are exposed to can affect your health, environment and viewing stars like matariki?
New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 amended 2025
Department of Conservation
Policy 13 Preservation of natural character
(1) To preserve the natural character of the coastal environment and to protect it from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:
(2) Recognise that natural character is not the same as natural features and landscapes or amenity values and may include matters such as:
(a) natural elements, processes and patterns;
(e) the natural darkness of the night sky;
