Could Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges become a dark sky park?

Parts of Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges could be set to become an internationally recognised dark sky park if light pollution can be monitored.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board wants to apply for accreditation to gain international dark sky park status, but there are a number of steps to address first.

An Auckland Council spokesperson said Arataki, Huia, Whatipū, Karekare, Piha, Anawhata and Te Henga were all good places in the area to see the dark sky.

The plan to become a dark sky park has been in the works for a number of years and in 2018 the darkness of the sky was measured.

“It was found it may qualify as an international dark sky park under the International Dark Sky Association’s rules at that time,” the spokesperson said.

The board has registered interest in applying for accreditation – now it needs to complete a number of steps, including monitoring light pollution, having a plan to reduce it and carrying out community events to celebrate preserving the dark sky.

In 2023, the board allocated $7700 for dark sky projects that could include events to promote dark sky viewing, community education, or other related activities.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board chairperson Greg Presland said the idea to make the area a dark sky park had been around for a number of years.

“We’re really hoping to get this moving during 2023. If you head down to the coasts in the area it really is quite magnificent.

“Having the status would also mean we would be in a better position to protect it.”

Presland previously said the dark sky project was one element of an overarching plan to protect and enhance the Waitākere Ranges area.

”The fact that we can talk about applying for dark sky park status shows you how special, unique and important a place it is.”

The board’s draft plan for 2023 said making the area a dark sky viewing location was a priority and would be a visitor attraction.

There are currently five internationally recognised dark sky parks in Aotearoa. They are Aoraki Mackenzie, Great Barrier Island, Stewart Island, Wai-Iti and Wairarapa.