Protecting the Night Sky: A Community-Led Journey Across Selwyn’s High Country
In the wide open landscapes of Waikirikiri Selwyn, the night sky has always been part of the experience.
In the wide open landscapes of Waikirikiri Selwyn, the night sky has always been part of the experience.
For generations, people travelling through the high country — from Kura Tāwhiti and Castle Hill to Arthur’s Pass — have stopped to look up. Away from the bright lights of the city, the stars feel closer here. Clearer. Bigger somehow.
Now, communities across the Selwyn high country are working together to help protect that experience for future generations.
Across the alpine landscapes of Waikirikiri Selwyn, a long-term vision is beginning to take shape.
Clear alpine skies were the perfect spring backdrop for the community to gather for Selwyns Dark Skies Journey event. Held at Castle Hill Community Hall, the event explored the opportunity and how Selwyn could play a role in protecting and celebrating one of our most precious natural assets. Drawing on their experience with dark sky success at Tāhuna Glenorchy, the Dark Skies team travelled north to share insights and inspiration with the Selwyn community. The evening brought together science, community leadership, arts, and local government, painting a compelling picture of what a dark skies future could look like for the region.
Dr Leslie Van Gelder brought the concept to life by outlining how communities and businesses can partner on the journey and the opportunity presented by the four parks of Southern Tōwhiti — Arthur’s Pass, Craigieburn Forest Park, Korowai Tōrlese Tussocklands, and Oxford Forest.
Community advocate Corrine Davis shared her personal journey, beginning as a local resident with limited knowledge of dark skies, and progressing to guiding visitors and promoting the biodiversity benefits that come with reducing light pollution. Her story highlighted how everyday people can become powerful champions for change.
Andy Davey, Chief Executive of Winterstellar, an Otago-wide dark skies organisation, spoke about the role of creativity and culture in the Glenorchy dark skies story. He explained how arts have helped bring dark skies to life strengthening both local identity and visitor experiences.
Rounding out the evening, Andrew Mazey from Selwyn District Council provided an overview of the plans for the district’s new lighting system. Impressively, the system has been designed with consideration for astronomical calendars and timing, demonstrating how smart infrastructure can support both safety and environmental outcomes.
The Selwyn community can help shape the further and be involved by measuring night sky darkness, contributing photographs and observations, sharing local knowledge, helping form groups to lead events or even simply championing dark skies and keeping informed. With 80% of the world’s population no longer able to see the stars benefits of dark skies extend far beyond stargazing. Biodiversity by protecting nocturnal species, strengthening community identity, creating opportunities for astro-tourism, and delivering long term economic benefits. Protecting this for our future generations is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
