Streetlights on Kaikōura’s Beach Rd now comply with the district’s dark sky rules.
By David Hill of Local Democracy Reporting
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency completed the upgrades on State Highway 1 through Kaikōura towards the end of last year.
As part of its district plan, Kaikōura District Council adopted new lighting rules in 2024.
They formed part of the community’s bid for dark sky sanctuary status from Dark Sky International, which was approved in September 2024.
The upgrades were expected to bring benefits for local wildlife, while improving night time safety for road users and pedestrians.
Council chief executive Will Doughty said the new upgrades support the community’s ongoing efforts to protect the night sky and support local wildlife, including the Hutton’s shearwater birds.
"Kaikōura is deeply proud of its natural heritage, and these upgrades show what’s possible when a national agency demonstrates genuine commitment," he said.
"NZTA has gone beyond standard requirements to support our long-term dark sky goals, and we’re grateful for the way they’ve worked alongside our passionate community."
As part of the design process, NZTA reviewed the known flight paths of Hutton’s shearwaters to ensure that warm LED colour temperatures were used in the most sensitive areas.
"NZTA is pleased to have taken extra steps that may help reduce risks for these endangered seabirds, while supporting Kaikōura’s wider environmental ambitions," NZTA project manager Gavin Lake said.
"While outcomes can’t be guaranteed, we are hopeful these improvements will contribute positively to the environment while providing modern, efficient and low-maintenance road lighting for the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians."
Retired scientist and Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust trustee Dr Larry Field said small changes can make a difference.
"Every small change in light intensity, direction, and colour can make a meaningful difference.
"The combination of horizontal fittings, warm colour temperatures, and highly controlled optics represents a thoughtful, evidence-based approach, and the trust appreciates the extra care taken in the lighting design."
While the dark sky sanctuary status covered the wider Kaikōura district, the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust was preparing a separate application for dark sky community status for the township and peninsula.
Accreditation recognises a community’s efforts to reduce unnecessary and unshielded artificial light, while enhancing natural darkness and preserving ecological values.
New streetlighting on Beach Rd was first proposed in 2019, but no timeframe was set.
The North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery alliance, which included NZTA, helped to kick start the process towards obtaining international dark sky status, by providing seed funding to establish the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust, as a legacy project as part of the recovery from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016.
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