Naseby becomes New Zealand’s first dark sky community

After a decade of grassroots effort, Naseby has been accredited as New Zealand’s first International Dark Sky Community.

The accreditation officially recognises Naseby for its commitment to preserving the night sky through responsible outdoor lighting policies and public education.

Naseby Vision, a local community group, started exploring the possibility of accreditation in 2016. By 2018, the community had conducted extensive night sky quality surveys and gained public support.

However Central Otago’s lighting regulations had to be reviewed to allow the establishment of Dark Sky precincts and govern light use. This prompted a District Plan Change in 2021. Adopted in October 2024, the plan change officially protects Naseby’s skies from light pollution and paved the way for the final application to be resubmitted to DarkSky International, and approved.

DarkSky International is a non-profit that aims to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities from light pollution. 

International Dark Sky Place Program Manager Amber Harrison says: “The people of Naseby have put in a tremendous amount of effort into achieving the first International Dark Sky Community certification for the nation of New Zealand."

She says DarkSky International is confident more communities like Naseby will attain the certification and continue the push for greater lighting policies throughout the country.

Project lead for Naseby Vision Jill Wolff says the group had no idea how intricate the process would be when they began. She says Central Otago District Council's community development and planning teams were supportive in progressing the application.

Going forward the community will need to continue to monitor local planning rules around dark sky protection to ensure they are followed.

“It feels good to know you've put something this important in place for the community and future generations” Wolff says.

Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley says the recognition is an honour.

“Naseby’s recognition as an International Dark Sky Community is an inspirational example of what happens when community, conservation, and vision come together. This honour not only celebrates our pristine skies today but also safeguards them for future generations of Central Otago residents and visitors, inspiring wonder, learning, and pride in shining brighter than ever." 

Tourism Central Otago's Head of Destination Antz Longman says the accreditation is already inspiring new tourism ventures such as Paul Bishop's Naseby Night Sky Tours.

"This is just the beginning. The Central Otago Destination Management Plan which captures the views of the region’s communities, recognises the importance of protecting our night skies. We expect other communities across the district will follow Naseby’s lead.

“We must congratulate the people of Naseby for leading the charge in protecting our region’s night skies.”

A community event is planned for September 27 to celebrate the achievement and educate about the exceptional quality of Naseby’s night skies. The event will kick off a series of initiatives designed to deepen public engagement with astronomy and light pollution awareness.

Projects already underway include the recent purchase of another community telescope and other stargazing tools, with more to come as funding allows.

Main image Credit: Joe Nidd