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Carterton gets ready to launch!

Carterton is gearing up to celebrate Space Week from the 5th of October to the 11th of October 2024.World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to improving the human condition.To check out the array of events head to the FB page....

Dark Sky steering group set up.

A region-wide special steering group which the Dark Sky Reserve Association are part of has been formed to promote Wairarapa’s accredited dark sky reserve status.Read more in this Wairarapa Time Age articleImage credit featured in article & above from Hari Mogosanu and Sam Leske of Star Safari...

Matariki celebrations to enjoy in the Wairarapa

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Matariki in the Wairarapa. See a full line up thanks to the Destination Wairarapa team who drive the  development of all astro tourism and promote activities and events in the Dark Sky Reserve & wider Wairarapa region. Celebrating Matariki...

Dark sky tourism a focus

Tourism minister backs move to attract stargazing travellersTourism Minister Matt Doocey has voiced his support of Dark Sky tourism, citing the appeal to international visitors and the associated economic benefits. Read the full article on Stuff here  Tourism NZ’s research shows more than 70% of people thinking about visiting New Zealand were interested in stargazing. The potential to attract visitors during the off-peak and shoulder seasons, frequently the best time for star ga...

Wairarapa Dark Sky coin released!

We were thrilled to be chosen to be part of a project to develop a new set of collectible coins by NZ Post.The coins have now been released and you can head this way to find out more about the dark sky coins. ...

Met Service launch new Astrophotography radar

Met service introduce a new Astrophotography page, developed in partnership with Samsung. See real time cloud cover 24 hours a day with our new NZ infrared satellite imagery, updated every 10 minutes. Select the markers to see current conditions at your nearest dark sky areas, so you can dress for the weather. And check the outlook for the next few days with our forecast cloud cover video.It also features a handy detail of what is in the sky this week.Check it out here ...

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve AGM

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Dark Sky accomodation a new opportunity!

Dark Sky International has launched an exciting new accreditation category for accomodation providers.This months article in The Martinborough Star detailed the potential that local business could tap into that compliment the dark sky reserve.Find out more here ...

Chatting the dark sky reserve on Arrow FM show The Night Sky

Chair Viv Napier and Coordinator Charlotte Harding were invited on as guests to talk about the Dark Sky reserve with hosts Richard and Kay from the Arrow FM show The Night Sky....

Accomodation providers set to highlight the magic of our Dark Skies

Destination Wairarapa has created a go-to guide for accommodation providers in the reserve to share with guests to highlight the reserve, how to enjoy it and a little bit of inspiration on protection.It's a great way for hosts to educate themselves so we can all be Wairarapa dark sky advocates. ...

Masterton working to join the Reserve

 As part of their annual plan Masterton District Council (MDC) committed to commencing the process to become accredited as part of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. The International Dark Skies Association has confirmed that Masterton just needs to apply to extend the existing Wairarapa Reserve, and not establish another reserve. MDC are leading the application process. If you have any interest, or would like to volunteer your time/advice/skills please contact Matt Steele, the MDC lead,&...

Carkeek Observatory work not too late?

It was the mid-1980’s when astronomy historians located the remains of the star-gazers’ observatory built by Stephen Carkeek in 1868 on his farm near Featherston – and now one of the potential jewels in the crown of Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Reserve.Since the rediscovery of the remains of New Zealand’s oldest remaining observatory, several critical events have occurred:1. It was virtually forgotten, again, until the dark sky reserve crew was alerted to its existence;2. Heritage New Zealand ...

Chair Viv Napier receives "Tribute Award"

Each year Business Wairarapa Awards two TRIBUTES to those people that go above and beyond for their business community and contribution to Economic Development in Wairarapa, this year Viv Napier received this Award.The first of our two tributes is awarded to someone who has played a pivotal, yet behind-the-scenes, role as the Chair of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Association. Her unwavering efforts have been instrumental in the accreditation of Wairarapa as an internationally recognised Dark Sky Reser...

Dark Sky info evening

The Wairarapa Dark Sky Association invites you to an information evening on the newly appointed Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. We will cover what the Dark Sky Reserve means, what opportunities it brings, and how you can be involved.When: Wednesday 9 August, 6-7pmWhere: Waimeha Camping Village, Ngawi...

Celebrate Matariki

Celebrate Matariki at one of the many community-led events planned around the district.Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars, that rises in midwinter and for many Māori, heralds the start of the new year. Matariki is a time to celebrate, review the old year, think of loved ones past and present, and set goals for the year to come....

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve given approval

Southern Wairarapa has been confirmed as the world’s newest Dark Sky Reserve known as the “gold standard” of dark sky places by a decision of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).Five years after deciding the pristine dark skies of the region should be preserved, protected and enhanced, Wairarapa Dark Sky Association has this week been granted formal Dark Sky Reserve recognition by the world body.The decision underlines New Zealand as a world leader in dark sky development.The firs...