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Celebrating Two Years as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary

This year marks the second anniversary of Kaikōura being recognised as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, an achievement that reflects the extraordinary quality of our night sky and the commitment of our community to protecting it.

Over the past two years, our focus has been on turning this international recognition into meaningful local action. From improved lighting and community education to youth engagement and wildlife protection, each initiative is helping ensure Kaikōura’s darkness remains protected for generations to come.

State Highway 1 Lighting Upgrade

Lighting the way

One of the most significant achievements of the past year has been the completion and national recognition of the State Highway 1 lighting upgrade.

Working alongside NZTA Waka Kotahi, Energy Light, MainPower and Kaikōura District Council, the project introduced warm-coloured LEDs, careful shielding and smart dimming technology along key sections of the highway.

The result demonstrates that road and pedestrian safety can sit alongside reduced light spill, lower energy use and protection for wildlife, particularly Kaikōura’s endangered Hutton’s shearwater/tītī.

New lighting at the Takahanga MainPower Multi Sport Court has also established a positive local standard, showing how well-designed sports lighting can meet community needs while respecting our Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Local businesses are playing their part too. The NZ Post depot and Goodman Fielder storage facility, operated by D&Y Mackle Contracting, have fitted bright floodlights with motion sensors. The lights now operate only when needed, maintaining security while reducing energy use, costs and unnecessary light pollution.

Dark Sky Dairy Farm Lighting Project

Supporting better rural lighting

With support from the KIDS Discretionary Fund and Fonterra, the Trust completed its Dark Sky Dairy Farm Lighting Project.

Four fully shielded, warm LED floodlights were installed across three local dairy sheds. These fittings have significantly reduced glare and upward light spill while continuing to provide the lighting needed for safe farm operations.

The project is a practical example of how relatively simple lighting changes can benefit rural businesses, workers, livestock, nocturnal wildlife and the wider Dark Sky Sanctuary.

The Dark Sky Trust At The A&P Show

Bringing our Sanctuary to life

Becoming an International Dark Sky Sanctuary was never intended to be simply a title. It is an ongoing commitment to education, responsible lighting and community participation.

During the past year, the Trust participated in International Dark Sky Week and the Kaikōura A&P Show, creating valuable opportunities to speak with residents and visitors about why our night sky matters and how everyone can help protect it.

We also hosted the Rangi Takō | Winterstellar astrophotography exhibition at the Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre. The exhibition attracted strong community interest and provided a beautiful reminder of what can be seen when darkness is protected.

Residents, business owners and regular visitors were invited to contribute to a community survey that will help guide future education, lighting support and planning. We have also continued to share monthly night-sky information, practical resources and local lighting success stories through our website and social media channels.

Our educational resources have now been produced as larger, durable posters, making them easier to share at community events and gatherings throughout the district.

Gathering Together Under The Night Sky

Inspiring the next generation

One of the most rewarding parts of protecting our Dark Sky Sanctuary is creating opportunities for young people to discover the night sky.

We were especially pleased to support four Kaikōura High School students to attend the 2026 Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand Conference in Blenheim, with assistance from the Omaka Observatory Trust and Rātā Foundation.

The experience opened a window into astronomy, space science and the opportunities available to young people with a passion for the stars.

Matariki also provided meaningful ways for families and visitors to connect with the night sky, our community and the stories that bring our skies to life.

Celebrating remarkable leadership

As we mark our second anniversary, we also celebrate two people whose contributions have played an important part in Kaikōura’s dark sky journey.

Dr Larry Field received the 2025 DarkSky International Dr Arthur Hoag and William T. Robinson Award. This prestigious international honour recognised Larry’s outstanding contribution through science, advocacy and community engagement.

His years of sky-brightness monitoring, technical advice, lighting collaboration, education and practical support have been fundamental to achieving and protecting Kaikōura’s International Dark Sky Sanctuary status.

Our inaugural Patron, Nicky McArthur MNZM, was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King’s Honours for services to conservation and the community. Nicky was also presented with the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand’s 2025 Bright Star Award.

These honours acknowledge Nicky’s remarkable leadership in conservation, her dedication to protecting the Hutton’s shearwater/tītī and her pivotal role in establishing Kaikōura’s dark sky movement.

Looking towards the next chapter

Over the past two years, our Sanctuary status has helped build awareness of Kaikōura’s extraordinary night sky, both locally and nationally.

Our work has been featured by the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, and the State Highway 1 lighting project has been shared as a national example of collaborative and environmentally responsible lighting.

We have also launched the 2027 Kaikōura Dark Sky Calendar as a fundraising initiative. Proceeds will support the ongoing protection of the Sanctuary, community education, lighting improvements and our progress towards securing Dark Sky Community accreditation for the township.

As we move into our third year, we will continue supporting better lighting choices, strengthening community education and participation, and maintaining the monitoring and reporting required for our International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

We also want to create more opportunities for young people, residents, businesses and visitors to experience and appreciate Kaikōura after dark.

KDST Trust Out & About In Our Community

Thank you for helping protect our night sky

Reaching our second anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, while recognising that protecting our night sky is an ongoing responsibility shared by us all.

The breadth of this year’s work would not have been possible without the commitment of our Trustees, Patron Nicky McArthur, Project Coordinator Colette Doughty, volunteers, community partners, funders and supporters.

We extend our sincere thanks to Kaikōura District Council, NZTA Waka Kotahi, MainPower, Energy Light, the Kaikōura Community Shed, Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre, Kaikōura Museum, Kaikōura High School, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Omaka Observatory Trust, local businesses and the many individuals who have contributed their time, expertise, funding and encouragement.

Every conversation, lighting improvement, event, survey response, donation and volunteer hour helps protect the darkness above Kaikōura.

Our night sky is a natural treasure and a shared responsibility. Together, we are ensuring it remains a source of wonder, wellbeing and opportunity for generations to come.

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