Wairarapa may light the way

If Masterton and Carterton districts agree to limit their light pollution, Wairarapa could soon be home to the largest dark sky reserve in the country.

Last year South Wairarapa launched its bid to create a dark sky reserve over the southeastern corner of the lower North Island.

The door has been left open for its northern neighbours, Carterton and Masterton, to join the party, and it seems they’ve also got stars in their eyes.

To gain official recognition as a dark sky reserve by the United States-based International Dark Sky Association, regions must minimise light pollution and maximise community support.

Masterton and Carterton mayors are meeting Lee Mauger, of Martinborough Dark Sky Society, this week to discuss whether their respective districts can join South Wairarapa’s quest to be recognised.

Mauger has asked the international body if they can include a ‘‘built-in growth plan’’ in their application which could include expansion.

‘‘We would get the Martinborough region certified and then we open the door for Carterton and Masterton to join if their communities want.’’

The three councils need to modify their district plans’ light ordinances to regulate lowpolluting warmer hued lighting.

New Zealand’s most famous astronomy destination is the 4300-square-kilometre dark sky reserve centred on Lake Tekapo village in the Mackenzie Country.

A dark sky reserve across the three Wairarapa districts would span almost 6000sqkm.