Monday, December 2, 2024

New Lighting Regulations in Kaikōura Aim to Enhance Night Sky Visibility

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New lighting regulations aimed at preserving Kaikōura’s night sky will come into effect on December 19, following the town’s designation as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in September. The Kaikōura District Council adopted the regulations last week, which will apply to new constructions and lighting replacements, but residents will not need to replace existing bulbs immediately. The initiative, led by the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust, aims to reduce artificial lighting to enhance stargazing opportunities and protect local wildlife, particularly Hutton’s shearwater birds, which are affected by bright lights. As part of the project, the trust plans to apply for dark sky community status and is currently focused on educating residents about the new rules and the benefits of dark sky preservation. This community-driven effort reflects strong local support, with all 38 public submissions backing the plan change.

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