North Canterbury News: May 11, 2023
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2567603<br />
Keeping spotlight on dark skies<br />
NEWS<br />
The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>May</strong> <strong>11</strong>, <strong>2023</strong><br />
5<br />
By DAVID HILL,<br />
Local Democracy Reporter<br />
Kaikōura’s darksky enthusiasts are<br />
stepping up their efforts to educate the<br />
community on protecting the night sky.<br />
AKaikōura DarkSky Expo is being<br />
held in the <strong>May</strong>fairTheatre from <strong>May</strong><br />
21 to 28 to raise awareness of what dark<br />
sky sanctuarystatus means.<br />
‘‘The big messageisweare not going<br />
to be in the dark,’’ Kaikōura Dark Sky<br />
Trust chairperson Nicky McArthur<br />
said.<br />
‘‘We are trying to protect the natural<br />
darkness of the night sky.<br />
‘‘Halfofour life is at night and<br />
everybody on Earthand all the animals<br />
need to have fullnocturnal cycles.’’<br />
The trust has engaged Kāhu<br />
Environment to assistinpreparing a<br />
private plan change to the Kaikōura<br />
District Plan, before applying to the<br />
International Dark Sky Associationfor<br />
dark sky sanctuary status.<br />
The Kaikōura District Council has<br />
recently made agrant of $15,000 to the<br />
trust to assist with its costs.<br />
The planchangewill looktoadapt the<br />
town’slighting rulesand introduce<br />
other protections needed to improve<br />
Kaikōura’s view of the heavens.<br />
Ms McArthur saidtherewere benefits<br />
to reducing light pollution, including<br />
using less energy, savingmoney and<br />
reducing the town’s impactonthe<br />
environment.<br />
‘‘The climate changeconversation is<br />
massive.<br />
‘‘I thinkonce people get their heads<br />
aroundthat it’sgoingtosave them<br />
money and reduce energyconsumption<br />
it will make adifference.’’<br />
Duringthe weeklongexpo, Ms<br />
McArthur has invited varioussector<br />
groupstohost sessions to explore what<br />
dark sky sanctuary statuswill mean for<br />
Dark skies ... Brian Horsfall will be offering stargazing evenings from the <strong>May</strong>fair Theatre<br />
balcony during the Kaikōura Dark Sky Expo.<br />
PHOTO: FILE<br />
them.<br />
The rural sector willhave its chance<br />
on Monday eveningand the business<br />
community on Tuesday evening, while<br />
Destination Kaikōura will host the<br />
tourismsector on Wednesdayevening.<br />
Kaikōura Healthcare staff will be<br />
available throughoutthe day on<br />
Thursdaytodiscussthe impact of blue<br />
light on circadian rhythms and sleep,<br />
while the Kaikōura Youth Council will<br />
host the Friday evening session.<br />
Te RūnangaoKaikōura has been<br />
invitedtohelp launch the expo from<br />
2.30pm on Sunday, <strong>May</strong> 21.<br />
There will also be poster displays<br />
about lightpollution, enjoying the night<br />
sky,Matariki, the private plan change<br />
application, tourismopportunities, the<br />
impactsonhealth and the environment,<br />
and dispelling myths that changing the<br />
lighting will increase crime.<br />
Stargazingwill also be offered from<br />
the <strong>May</strong>fairTheatre balcony on the<br />
weekdayeveningsfrom 7pm.<br />
For more information, go to<br />
kaikouradarksky.nz or followthe<br />
Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust on Facebook.<br />
Public interest journalism funded<br />
through New Zealand on Air.<br />
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