Wairarapa Dark Sky Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to certify an area as an International Dark Sky Reserve?
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- Dark skies can promote environmental tourism, social, cultural and wellbeing benefits to the Wairarapa region
- Power bills can be lowered
- The natural environment is healthier for plants and animals, which live
- You will sleep better with lower light levels
- The night sky will be protected and enhanced for residents and visitors
- Public safety will be increased because we can install lights that are more focussed on areas that need to be lit
How many Dark Sky areas are there globally?
- There are over 200 Dark Sky Places around the world, which include areas of different sizes. A Dark Sky Reserve covers a larger area than a Dark Sky Place.
What is the biggest hurdle to be certified as an International Dark Sky Reserve?
- Light pollution
What is the point of the new lighting rules?
- Reducing light pollution by shining light down where we need to see instead of up into the sky
Do we have to follow the new lighting rules immediately?
- No, you don’t have to change anything immediately – this initiative encourages residents to replace outdoor bulbs and fixtures in our districts gradually
What are the rules regarding outdoor bulbs and fixtures?
- When replacing outdoor bulbs, get warm-coloured bulbs that are 3000 Kelvins (3000K) or less, and
- Choose fixtures that help light point out and down where you need the light most – not out and up
What is a Kelvin?
- A Kelvin is a measure of light temperature (colour) that goes from warm white to daylight white. 1000K lights are a warm yellow, and 7000K lights are a cool blueish-white whereas 3000K lights are on the warm end of the spectrum and create less light pollution.
What if our outdoor lights are on a motion sensor/timer, but are more than 3000K?
- If your outside lights are on motion sensors/timers and turn off within five minutes – you’re already doing your part. You don’t need to replace the bulb (with 3000K or less), but you can if you want to help cut light pollution even more.
What if our outdoor lights are not on a timer?
- Adding a timer to your outside lights is the easiest way to cut light pollution.
What area does this cover?
Where can I find out more information about Dark Sky Reserves?
- Visit the Wairarapa Dark Sky Association
Will the streets be dark?
- No. Many South Wairarapa Street lights are already converted for Dark Sky accreditation.
The new lighting rules are all about shining light where it is needed, not into the sky. Public spaces will continue to be lit, with the only changes relating to colour temperatures and light shields. Colour temperatures will be warm instead of cold (please see Information Brochure for description). Using lower Kelvin lights means that we could install more lights in public places – and make sure they are focused better on what needs to be lit. So we’ll be able to reduce unnecessary light pollution and increase public safety.
Light shields will direct all light towards the ground rather than up into the sky.
How will this affect music festivals?
- If festivals finish later than 10pm, they require resource consent as part of our District Plan. Festivals can be held with resource consent as long as light pollution is mitigated and lights are not directly pointed upwards at the sky.