User:Marshelec/sandbox2

A working group led by Nicky McArthur held their first public seminar to promote the Kaikōura dark-sky initiative in February 2021.

In addition to seeking accreditation as a dark-sky preserve, the objectives of the trust include protecting and enhancing the night skies and leading initiatives to reduce light pollution in the Kaikōura District. Dark-sky accreditation is expected to boost the local economy by encouraging local astrotourism businesses.

Kaikōura District Council provided support for the costs of preparing the application and Destination Kaikōura supported the establishment of a website for the trust.

The changes to the Kaikōura District outdoor lighting rules were aimed at new builds, and designed to reduce unnecessary or excessive use of artificial light at night. The rules include the use of motion sensors to activate lights, replacement of light fittings at their end-of-life using replacements with a colour temperature of 3000K or less, and restrictions for night-time lighting for sports events and for illumination of buildings for aesthetic purposes. The New Zealand Transport Agency undertook to change the street lighting on State Highway 1 through the town in 2024, using fully-shielded luminaires with colour temperature of 2200K or 2700K.