Dark Sky Reserve
Wairarapa has official Dark Sky Reserve status meaning our night sky is among the best places in the world to view the star filled skies above. Currently the Reserve covers Carterton and South Wairarapa districts, we're aiming to expand the reserve to include Masterton.
What are we doing?
Masterton is applying to be part of the dark sky periphery. We don't need to meet a certain threshold of darkness so we won't be turning off the street lights but we will:
- Use dark sky recorders to measure light spill. Light from Wellington and Palmerston North can be seen at the edges of the reserve.
- Create a register of all public lighting so we know where light pollution is coming from.
- Educate Masterton residents about how they can minimise the impact of the lights on their properties.
What can you do?
Council is leading the application but we'd love to have our residents involved in the project. You can:
- Have a dark sky recorder on your home or business.
- Tell your friends and whanau about the project.
- Check out the resources below to see some simple things you can do at your place to reduce light pollution.
If you're interested in getting involved send us an email at mdc@mstn.govt.nz
