Expo to raise dark sky awareness

Kaikōura’s dark sky enthusiasts are stepping up their efforts to educate the community on protecting the night sky.

A Kaikōura Dark Sky Expo is being held in the Mayfair Theatre from May 21 to 28 to raise awareness of what dark sky sanctuary status means.

‘‘The big message is we are not going to be in the dark,’’ Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust chairperson Nicky McArthur says.

‘‘We are trying to protect the natural darkness of the night sky. Half of our life is at night and everybody on Earth and all the animals need to have full nocturnal cycles.’’

The trust has engaged Kāhu Environment to assist in preparing a private plan change to the

Kaikōura District Plan, before applying to the International Dark Sky Association for dark sky sanctuary status.

The Kaikōura District Council has recently made a grant of $15,000 to the trust to assist with its costs.

The plan change will look to adapt the town’s lighting rules and introduce other protections needed to improve Kaikōura’s view of the heavens.

Nicky says there were benefits to reducing light pollution, including using less energy, saving money and reducing the town’s impact on the environment.

‘‘The climate change conversation is massive. I think once people get their heads around that it’s going to save them money and reduce energy consumption it will make a differ- ence.’’

During the week-long expo, Nicky has invited various sector groups to host sessions to explore what dark sky sanctuary status will mean for them.

The rural sector will have its chance on Monday evening and the business community on Tuesday evening, while Destination Kaikōura will host the tourism sector on Wednesday evening.

Stargazing will also be offered from the Mayfair Theatre balcony on the weekday evenings from 7pm. For more information, go to kaikouradarksky.nz or follow the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust on Facebook.