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RNZ News
18-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Matariki and our diminishing night sky: Light pollution makes stars harder to see
First published on By Shea Esterling and William Grant* Many New Zealanders look to the skies to celebrate Matariki, but light pollution remains a major issue. Photo: Quin Tauetau This week, Aotearoa New Zealand officially celebrates Matariki for the fourth time, marked by the reappearance in the night sky of the star cluster also known as the Pleiades. Yet, ironically, the accompanying celebrations and the legislation that declares Matariki a public holiday miss the mark. They fail to promote and protect the country's dark skies, which are crucial to seeing the stars in this small constellation. While the law recognises Matariki's significance to Māori culture and heritage as the beginning of the Māori New Year, it does not acknowledge that it is predicated on the visual presence of the star cluster. Even where Matariki is not visible owing to weather conditions, the ability to see other celestial markers is important (for example Puanga/Puaka, also known as Rigel). Light pollution is a visual barrier to experiencing these important stars. Since the passage of the legislation, local councils across the country have marked the public holiday with various light displays. This year will be no different, with illuminated artworks, projections and lightboxes at Matariki festivals in several cities. Tirama Mai (bringing the light) will return to Ōtautahi Christchurch with brightly lit displays. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will see some of its most popular sites, including Queen Street, lit up as part of Tūrama , a series of large-scale, illuminated art installations. In Rotorua , Whakatū Nelson and Ōtepoti Dunedin , Matariki festivities include spectacular drone light shows which will light up the night sky. After initially ignoring Māori advice that fireworks are not appropriate to celebrate Matariki, many local councils have now abandoned them . But festivities will no doubt continue to contribute to light pollution and ignore the need to protect dark skies at night. These ill-conceived festivities are not surprising given the legislation fails to even mention dark skies. This is exacerbated by New Zealand emerging as a major player in the increasingly commercialised space sector which has developed rapidly since the first rocket lifted off from Mahia peninsula in 2017. Last year's Matariki celebrations in Rotorua. Photo: LDR/ Laura Smith Much of Aotearoa's landmass has some of the darkest skies on the planet. Based on land area, 74 percent of the North Island and 93 percent of the South Island rest beneath night skies that are either pristine or degraded only near the horizon. Indeed, the area affected by direct illumination is very low. Yet, intense urbanisation means only 3 percent of the population regularly experience such skies. About half of all New Zealanders can no longer see the Milky Way in winter. Globally, the visibility of stars (an indicator of the level of light pollution) decreased by 7-10 percent per year from 2011 to 2022 . The visibility of the night sky in New Zealand appears to be following a similar trend. Between 2012 and 2021, the area affected by light pollution grew at a rate of 4.2 percent above the global average . Advertising and tourism campaigns reinforce the perception that Aotearoa has dark skies, but visible satellites could soon outnumber the stars people can see, from New Zealand and worldwide. At present, there is no explicit domestic law protecting dark skies, nor any international laws. The law declaring Matariki a public holiday missed an important opportunity to provide such protection. To address this issue, a petition was presented to parliament in January 2023 calling for national legislation to promote and protect dark skies. In March this year, parliament responded it would not take further actions "due to other priorities on the government's resource management reform work programme". This is not surprising. Nevertheless, we call on the government to develop legislation for the governance of dark skies in Aotearoa New Zealand that incorporates mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). While there are a variety of ways this could be achieved, controlling light pollution is the crux of the issue. Light pollution emanates both from unmitigated urban lighting as well as the expansion of satellite constellations, which is steadily forming a global net of moving points of light in space. An incremental approach could be a government-backed education programme to raise awareness of light pollution, followed by the development of a national policy for its control. An amendment to the Matariki public holiday law could then follow in recognition of the national interest. We are aware the challenges ahead are many. Yet, protecting dark skies is vital from a Māori perspective. Practically, such protections are crucial to the enjoyment and honouring of Matariki as we continue to risk disconnection from one of our most important natural features. * Shea Esterling is a Senior Lecturer Above the Bar at the University of Canterbury and receives funding from the Borrin Foundation. William Grant is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Canterbury, and does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This story was originally published on The Conversation.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
UC Research Aims To Shed Light On Dark Skies
Press Release – University of Canterbury A new UC study is turning its gaze to the stars not for space travel, but to help protect Indigenous knowledges tied to the night sky. Ever noticed how few stars you'll see when you're visiting a big city? That's the result of light pollution that stems from tightly clustered streetlights, buildings, homes and other urban infrastructure, not to mention an increasing number of satellites. It's a growing issue that not only dims our view of the cosmos but also limits our connection to stories and traditions written in the stars. As recipient of the Borrin Foundation's 2025 Travel and Learning Award, Dr Shea Esterling of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Te Kaupeka Tura | Faculty of Law will be exploring International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia this year. DarkSky International defines IDSPs as certified global locations with naturally dark skies and minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Takapō, home to UC's Mount John Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research centre, is one of nine officially recognised IDSPs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research funding awarded will enable Dr Esterling to investigate how IDSPs are regulated and how best to protect them, not just for astronomy, but as vital components of our shared cultural heritage. Her study will explore how law and policy can help preserve dark skies, particularly in a time when space activity is accelerating but legislation hasn't quite caught up. While Aotearoa New Zealand has welcomed the creation of a public holiday around Matariki, Dr Esterling identifies a crucial contradiction. 'We've made Matariki a national holiday, which is incredible, yet local councils often celebrate it with drone shows and light festivals — which ironically make the stars harder to see. You can't enjoy Matariki without being able to see the stars.' Beyond cultural and environmental value, the protection of our IDSPs also offers economic potential. Stargazing and astrophotography experiences draw increasing numbers of visitors to these special and unique areas. The Mount John Observatory benefits directly from these groups. Observatory tours managed by the Dark Sky Project, leaders in astro-tourism, offer visitors exclusive mountaintop stargazing in hopes of igniting a lasting impression for dark sky preservation. With the potential to inform or steer policy around the protection of these spaces, Dr Esterling's research may be valuable in also supporting sustainable tourism, and local livelihoods. Her interest in the issue was sparked by a colleague who first introduced her to the concept of IDSPs. As a lawyer, Dr Esterling was quick to ask: 'Who gets to define these places, what's the process, and who's involved in those decisions?' This curiosity turned into a broader investigation, and Dr Esterling is now working on legislation that could bridge the legal gap between space development and cultural protection. She's particularly focused on how Indigenous knowledges — especially mātauranga Māori and Aboriginal astronomy — can be embedded in respective legal frameworks. 'The project is really a conduit — a platform for Indigenous voices and knowledges to be heard and recognised. I want to be guided by the people I interview. What matters to them? What do they want policymakers to understand?' Her fieldwork will include site visits and interviews at 13 certified dark sky locations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Special attention will be paid to the voices of Indigenous women, who often act as knowledge holders in their communities. With a new Ministry for Space, recent space-related legislation, and increased activity from private space companies, the timing of this research feels particularly poignant. Dr Esterling also sees a broader pattern playing out — a global backlash against scientific and expert voices, placing Indigenous worldviews and traditions at a greater risk of being overlooked. 'If we lose dark skies, we lose crucial aspects of Indigenous knowledges and identity,' she says. 'We don't need more cars flying into space. The stars should be enough, shouldn't they?'
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
UC Research Aims To Shed Light On Dark Skies
Press Release – University of Canterbury A new UC study is turning its gaze to the stars not for space travel, but to help protect Indigenous knowledges tied to the night sky. Ever noticed how few stars you'll see when you're visiting a big city? That's the result of light pollution that stems from tightly clustered streetlights, buildings, homes and other urban infrastructure, not to mention an increasing number of satellites. It's a growing issue that not only dims our view of the cosmos but also limits our connection to stories and traditions written in the stars. As recipient of the Borrin Foundation's 2025 Travel and Learning Award, Dr Shea Esterling of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Te Kaupeka Tura | Faculty of Law will be exploring International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia this year. DarkSky International defines IDSPs as certified global locations with naturally dark skies and minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Takapō, home to UC's Mount John Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research centre, is one of nine officially recognised IDSPs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research funding awarded will enable Dr Esterling to investigate how IDSPs are regulated and how best to protect them, not just for astronomy, but as vital components of our shared cultural heritage. Her study will explore how law and policy can help preserve dark skies, particularly in a time when space activity is accelerating but legislation hasn't quite caught up. While Aotearoa New Zealand has welcomed the creation of a public holiday around Matariki, Dr Esterling identifies a crucial contradiction. 'We've made Matariki a national holiday, which is incredible, yet local councils often celebrate it with drone shows and light festivals — which ironically make the stars harder to see. You can't enjoy Matariki without being able to see the stars.' Beyond cultural and environmental value, the protection of our IDSPs also offers economic potential. Stargazing and astrophotography experiences draw increasing numbers of visitors to these special and unique areas. The Mount John Observatory benefits directly from these groups. Observatory tours managed by the Dark Sky Project, leaders in astro-tourism, offer visitors exclusive mountaintop stargazing in hopes of igniting a lasting impression for dark sky preservation. With the potential to inform or steer policy around the protection of these spaces, Dr Esterling's research may be valuable in also supporting sustainable tourism, and local livelihoods. Her interest in the issue was sparked by a colleague who first introduced her to the concept of IDSPs. As a lawyer, Dr Esterling was quick to ask: 'Who gets to define these places, what's the process, and who's involved in those decisions?' This curiosity turned into a broader investigation, and Dr Esterling is now working on legislation that could bridge the legal gap between space development and cultural protection. She's particularly focused on how Indigenous knowledges — especially mātauranga Māori and Aboriginal astronomy — can be embedded in respective legal frameworks. 'The project is really a conduit — a platform for Indigenous voices and knowledges to be heard and recognised. I want to be guided by the people I interview. What matters to them? What do they want policymakers to understand?' Her fieldwork will include site visits and interviews at 13 certified dark sky locations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Special attention will be paid to the voices of Indigenous women, who often act as knowledge holders in their communities. With a new Ministry for Space, recent space-related legislation, and increased activity from private space companies, the timing of this research feels particularly poignant. Dr Esterling also sees a broader pattern playing out — a global backlash against scientific and expert voices, placing Indigenous worldviews and traditions at a greater risk of being overlooked. 'If we lose dark skies, we lose crucial aspects of Indigenous knowledges and identity,' she says. 'We don't need more cars flying into space. The stars should be enough, shouldn't they?'
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
UC Research Aims To Shed Light On Dark Skies
Ever noticed how few stars you'll see when you're visiting a big city? That's the result of light pollution that stems from tightly clustered streetlights, buildings, homes and other urban infrastructure, not to mention an increasing number of satellites. It's a growing issue that not only dims our view of the cosmos but also limits our connection to stories and traditions written in the stars. As recipient of the Borrin Foundation's 2025 Travel and Learning Award, Dr Shea Esterling of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Te Kaupeka Tura | Faculty of Law will be exploring International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia this year. DarkSky International defines IDSPs as certified global locations with naturally dark skies and minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Takapō, home to UC's Mount John Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research centre, is one of nine officially recognised IDSPs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research funding awarded will enable Dr Esterling to investigate how IDSPs are regulated and how best to protect them, not just for astronomy, but as vital components of our shared cultural heritage. Her study will explore how law and policy can help preserve dark skies, particularly in a time when space activity is accelerating but legislation hasn't quite caught up. While Aotearoa New Zealand has welcomed the creation of a public holiday around Matariki, Dr Esterling identifies a crucial contradiction. 'We've made Matariki a national holiday, which is incredible, yet local councils often celebrate it with drone shows and light festivals — which ironically make the stars harder to see. You can't enjoy Matariki without being able to see the stars.' Beyond cultural and environmental value, the protection of our IDSPs also offers economic potential. Stargazing and astrophotography experiences draw increasing numbers of visitors to these special and unique areas. The Mount John Observatory benefits directly from these groups. Observatory tours managed by the Dark Sky Project, leaders in astro-tourism, offer visitors exclusive mountaintop stargazing in hopes of igniting a lasting impression for dark sky preservation. With the potential to inform or steer policy around the protection of these spaces, Dr Esterling's research may be valuable in also supporting sustainable tourism, and local livelihoods. Her interest in the issue was sparked by a colleague who first introduced her to the concept of IDSPs. As a lawyer, Dr Esterling was quick to ask: 'Who gets to define these places, what's the process, and who's involved in those decisions?' This curiosity turned into a broader investigation, and Dr Esterling is now working on legislation that could bridge the legal gap between space development and cultural protection. She's particularly focused on how Indigenous knowledges — especially mātauranga Māori and Aboriginal astronomy — can be embedded in respective legal frameworks. 'The project is really a conduit — a platform for Indigenous voices and knowledges to be heard and recognised. I want to be guided by the people I interview. What matters to them? What do they want policymakers to understand?' Her fieldwork will include site visits and interviews at 13 certified dark sky locations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Special attention will be paid to the voices of Indigenous women, who often act as knowledge holders in their communities. With a new Ministry for Space, recent space-related legislation, and increased activity from private space companies, the timing of this research feels particularly poignant. Dr Esterling also sees a broader pattern playing out — a global backlash against scientific and expert voices, placing Indigenous worldviews and traditions at a greater risk of being overlooked. 'If we lose dark skies, we lose crucial aspects of Indigenous knowledges and identity,' she says. 'We don't need more cars flying into space. The stars should be enough, shouldn't they?'
