Over the past two years, Selwyn District Council has been exploring Dark Sky accreditation alongside residents, tourism operators, conservation groups, and partner agencies. The project focuses on four proposed Dark Sky Parks across Department of Conservation land, covering more than 190,000 hectares of alpine landscape.

But while the accreditation itself is important, the journey so far has been equally meaningful.

What has stood out most throughout the process has been the level of local passion and community ownership. Small communities like Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass have strongly supported the project from the beginning, recognising the importance of reducing light pollution while protecting the natural character of the area.

An innovative system to turn down the lights, could bring a huge tourism boost to the Selwyn high country.  

The Council is set to install a new lighting control system in Castle Hill Village which can support the area becoming a dark sky sanctuary.  

Technology company Felicity Smart Infrastructure NZ is supplying the control system, which will remotely allow control the brightness and the times streetlights operate. 
The new technology is expected to be installed by the end of May 2026.  

It is estimated a dark sky accreditation could bring in up to $13.5million a year of visitor spending to the high country, Council Executive Director Community Services and Facilities Denise Kidd says. However, accreditation requires a lighting plan to limit overnight light, to maximise views of the stars. 

“This is a huge opportunity to make the most of our stunning high-country landscape and its amazing view of the stars. Dark skies are a growing attraction. It’s exciting 
to see how the trial goes, with the potential for this technology to help with dark sky accreditation and energy savings to further reduce costs in other places around the 
district,” Mrs Kidd says.
    
Exploring Dark Sky accreditation for the high-country area around Arthur’s Pass and Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill was supported by residents and businesses through the Long
Term Plan 2024-2034 and is part of the Council’s Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy, including submissions from across the community supporting dark sky initiatives for the high country.

A public meeting was held at the Castle Hill Village Community Centre on Saturday 31 January to discuss the process for the dark sky accreditation. Read more here

The Castle Hill light management group will play a significant role, leading monthly sky-quality readings and helping build awareness around responsible lighting. Conversations are also underway with agencies including KiwiRail, Orion and Waka Kotahi about opportunities to improve lighting across parts of the corridor over time.

Support for the project continues to grow, with letters of support received from communities, businesses, conservation and existing Dark Sky destinations across New Zealand.

For Selwyn, the project is about more than tourism.

It’s about recognising the value of our natural environment, strengthening community pride, and creating experiences that encourage people to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the district in a different way.

It also reflects a wider shift toward sustainable, low-impact visitor experiences — something increasingly important for both communities and travellers alike.

Applications for the four Dark Sky Parks are expected to be submitted in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in the journey so far.

But regardless of the outcome, one thing has already become clear: people deeply care about protecting the night sky here.

And in a fast-moving world, there is something pretty special about that.