Our Purpose
The Dark Skies initiative in Kaikōura was formed in 2020 by a group of passionate volunteers and local astronomers. In 2022 the Kaikōura Dark Sky Charitable Trust was formed and the group now also encompass local businesses, residents and government organisations.
Together the group believed achieving Dark Sky International Accredited would benefit Kaikōura’s unique wildlife, our environment and the health of our community. Dark Sky International is an organisation which has led the worldwide movement since 1988 to protect the night from light pollution.
Kaikōura is a small coastal region (approximately 2,048 km²) on the East coast of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand extending from the Pacific Ocean to the highest points of the Kaikōura ranges to the West, and along the coastline from Oaro in the South, to just beyond Kekerengu in the North.
Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary
The Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary was designated on the 12th September 2024 and is the twenty second sanctuary to be accredited globally. The sanctuary covers 98% of the Kaikōura region (approximately 2,039 km²) with a low density population (estimated at 1,730 people -Stats NZ June 2020) giving less than 1 person living per km².
Sanctuary status is awarded to locations that possess an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. The dark skies in Kaikōura are already acknowledged and protected as important scientific, natural and as a scenic resource. Over half of the proposed Kaikōura Sanctuary is protected in public ownership, largely as part of New Zealand’s Conservation Estate – Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Conservation Park as well as other Department of Conservation Reserves. We are also very fortunate in that the preservation and protection of Kaikōura’s natural environment and wildlife has been recognised and is well supported through conservation and sustainable practices. All of the following organisations demonstrate huge ongoing efforts. Culturally by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, nationally through government organisations such as the Department of Conservation and Environment Canterbury, and locally by private landowners and charitable trust organisations.
Kaikōura is home to the nationally endangered Hutton’s shearwater, the only seabird globally to breed in a sub alpine environment and the last two remaining wild breeding colonies in the entire world remain in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. Kaikōura is literally their last breeding place on earth. This fact, combined with the knowledge that Hutton’s are adversely affected by artificial lighting at night was the inspiration for the formation of the Kaikōura Sanctuary.
Proposed International Dark Sky Community
Light pollution from the township of Kaikōura could become a potential future threat if not controlled. Fortunately with the new lighting provisions and the desire to become an International Dark Sky Community this risk is being mitigated. The Trust will be submitted an application later in 2024.
Quality of our Night Sky
The darkness of our night sky has been monitored by members of the working group from various observation sites across the IDSS (and proposed IDSC) since 2020 and it was established early on that our average night sky quality was consistently greater than 21.5 mpsas.
Methodology – This project uses a scientific method of measuring night sky darkness and we have chosen to use the magnitude per square arc second (mpsas). Equipment used to take measurements is a hand held Unihedron Dark Sky Quality Metre (SQM-L unit).
Observation sites – 16 observation sites were chosen within the proposed sanctuary. All sites are located on public land with easy vehicle accessible and with a sample of the sky from the North, West, South and East and from along the coastline to inland as per the map below. Looking at the topography map on the next page, you can see we went round the edge of the mountains for safety reasons travelling at night. The mountain regions are certain to be even darker.
Results –
- In December 2023 an average of 21.64 mpsas and a median of 21.635 mpsas were measured from across the 16 sites.
- In April 2024 an average of 21.50 mpsas and a median of 21.515 mpsas were measure from the same sites. It was noted the overhead location of the Milky Way and possible impact of the zodiacal light.
- In May 2024 an average of 21.60 mpsas and a median of 21.61 mpsas were measured from the same sites.
Overall, this gave an average of 21.58 mpsas and a median of 21.585 mpsas from the same 16 sites which is higher than the minimum IDSS requirements of 21.5 mpsas and illustrated exceptional night sky quality.
Meet the Team
We are a passionate group from a mixture of industries and backgrounds who are leading this initiative. Regular meetings are held on the fourth Friday of every second month in the Encounter Cafe Conference Room @ 96 Esplanade. Everyone is welcome to come along to find out more. Reach out to us to find out when we are next meeting up.
- Trustee & Trust Chair – Nicky McArthur
- Trustee & Trust Treasurer – Peter Sutton
- Trustee & Science & Lighting Lead – Larry Field
- Trustee & Outreach Lead – Brian Horsfall
- Trustee & IDA Dark Sky Advisor – Kyra Xavia
- Trustee & Kaikōura District Council CEO – Will Doughty
- Trustee – Chris McFetrish
- Trust Secretary & Heritage NZ – Ann McCaw
- Councillor Julie Howden
- Department of Conservation representative – Jemima Rodden
- Hutton’s Shearwater Charitable Trust representative – Ted Howard
- Encounter Foundation – Lynette Buurman
- Destination Kaikōura – Lisa Bond
- Project Coordinator – Colette Doughty
Help us by donating today
We are a not-for-profit charity and rely on the generosity of volunteers, donors and grants to achieve our mission. Every donation no matter how great or small is gratefully received.
RASNZ Affiliation
Kaikōura is an affiliated member of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.
The object of the Society is the promotion and extension of knowledge of astronomy and related branches of science. It encourages interest in Astronomy, and is an association of observers and others for mutual help and advancement of science. It was founded in 1920 as the New Zealand Astronomical Society and assumed its present title on receiving the Royal Charter in 1946. In 1967 it became a Member Body of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
