Naseby in Central Otago is now a Dark Sky designated community. Photo: 123RF
A group of Naseby locals keen to put their small town on the map as a place to view the stars have earned it official designation as a Dark Sky Community.
DarkSky International said a tremendous amount of work went into achieving the certification.
A group called Naseby Vision first began exploring the possibility of accreditation nearly ten years ago, it said.
The group undertook extensive night sky surveying and helped introduce new rules to limit the brightness and hours of operation of certain types of lighting.
The changes were incorporated last year through a change to the District Plan, with support from the Central Otago District Council.
International Dark Sky Places programme manager Amber Harrison said Naseby was the first place in the country to be designated a Dark Sky Community, where community participation, stewardship, and awareness of the pristine night sky was embedded in the culture of residents.
Other locations around the motu - such as Glenorchy, Kaikōura and Wairarapa - had been designated Dark Sky Reserves, Sanctuaries and Parks.
"The country is already a leader for dark skies in many ways, and we at DarkSky International are confident that more communities like Naseby will come to attain this certification and continue the push for greater lighting policies throughout the country," Harrison said.
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said it was an inspirational example of what happens when community, conservation, and vision came together.
"This honour not only celebrates our pristine skies today but also safeguards them for future generations of Central Otago residents and visitors, inspiring wonder, learning, and pride in shining brighter than ever," she said.
DarkSky International said the community recently purchased another community telescope and other stargazing tools, and the accreditation was already inspiring new businesses to offer night sky tours.
Naseby residents planned to celebrate the accreditation at a community event on Saturday.
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