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Star gazers are peering into Oxford’s dark sky. Local Democracy Reporter DAVID HILL visits the group to speak about their quest for dark sky park status.
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A group of volunteers are looking to the stars in a bid to gain dark sky park status for a conservation area in North Canterbury.
… View moreStar gazers are peering into Oxford’s dark sky. Local Democracy Reporter DAVID HILL visits the group to speak about their quest for dark sky park status.
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A group of volunteers are looking to the stars in a bid to gain dark sky park status for a conservation area in North Canterbury.
The newly formed Oxford Dark Sky Group is close to submitting an application with the International Dark-Sky Association.
To complete the application, volunteers travel to the Oxford Forest Conservation Area to measure the dark sky.
My daughter, Sasha, and I met volunteers Raul Elias-Drago and Susi Schulze at the Oxford Area School Observatory at 11.30pm on a recent Friday, before heading out to the conservation area.
We take our first readings on the dark sky reader after stepping out of the car at the Coopers Creek car park.
As Elias-Drago explained, we need readings of magnitude 21.2 or higher to support the application.
Stellar magnitude is what astronomers use to measure the brightness of star or object in space. The brighter the object, the lower magnitude.
The Sun has an apparent magnitude of -27, while Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, is -1.46. Venus at its brightest is -5 and the International Space Station can reach a magnitude of -6.
Most people can see up to magnitude 6 with the naked eye on a clear night.
A magnitude of 21.2 is optimum for stargazing, as the sky is dark enough to see distant objects and get a clear view of the centre of the Milky Way through a telescope.
Our first set of readings were around 21.16 to 21.18.
Undeterred we drove further into the conservation area to take readings at different locations.
It was a partially cloudy night, but as we ventured further and the sky got darker our readings were consistently well over 21.2 and as high as 21.48.
On clear nights, Elias-Drago said he picked up readings as high as 21.66 and 21.76.
A $500 grant from the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board allowed the group to buy a dark sky reader.
The newly formed Oxford Dark Sky Group has 22 member organisations, including schools, community groups, sports club, the Oxford Promotions Action Committee (representing local businesses), the Department of Conservation and the Waimakariri District Council.
Elias-Drago said the ultimate goal is to become a dark sky reserve.
The first step is to obtain dark sky park status for the 11,350 hectare conservation area.
‘‘We can use that to generate momentum and then continue the conversation with the council and local businesses, generate some funds and come back to addressing the lighting in the township.’’
A dark sky reserve would include the conservation area as the core and the township and surrounding area as the periphery.
Elias-Drago said there were questions around lighting in the town and changes to the Waimakariri District Plan would need to be considered.
He said good lighting policies could reduce light pollution, improve melatonin levels in humans and improve animal welfare.
A study commissioned by Enterprise North Canterbury, the council’s economic development arm, earlier this year suggested a dark sky reserve could generate $5.4 million in additional spending in the town, and create up to 24 jobs.
After taking measurements in the conservation area, we took a set of readings at the observatory to compare.
Even with a street light outside the observatory and a partially cloudy sky, those readings were only just below 21.2.
The Oxford Dark Sky Group has received an award in the inaugural Waimakariri Zone Committee's environmental awards. (The Waimakariri Zone Committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Waimakariri District Council.)
■Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Rangiora High School plans to build a community performing arts centre.
Board of trustees chairperson Simon Green said the school aimed to build "the premier performing arts centre in North Canterbury".
A formal proposal is being prepared … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Rangiora High School plans to build a community performing arts centre.
Board of trustees chairperson Simon Green said the school aimed to build "the premier performing arts centre in North Canterbury".
A formal proposal is being prepared for the Waimakariri District Council to gain their support.
Principal Bruce Kearney said the school hoped to build a facility similar to the Aurora Centre at Burnside High School in Christchurch.
The proposed 800-seat theatre would replace the school hall and have state-of-the-art equipment to serve almost 1700 students and the wider community.
‘‘We need the voice of the community and so we want to consult with the council, the community and local schools.
‘‘We want to come together and produce a plan which everybody can benefit from.’’
The new facility would be managed by the school, but available to the 19 contributing schools and local performing arts schools and organisations.
‘‘We are growing our performing arts programme and we want to be known as a performing arts school as well as an academic school,’’ Mr Kearney said.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation general manager Chris Brown said the council has just adopted a new arts strategy.
Recreation Sport and Leisure Consultancy Ltd has also been engaged to develop a network plan of facilities in the district and future needs.
Both pieces of work will feed into next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan.
‘‘If there is a need in the community, then the council will absolutely look at it, alongside drainage, roading and extending our libraries,’’ Brown said.
‘‘The arts are definitely on the council’s radar and we have had a clear direction from our mayor and from our community.’’
Mayor Dan Gordon said he was keen to hear more about the school’s proposal.
‘‘I’m a champion and strong supporter of the arts so personally I will be looking forward to seeing where this plan lands.’’
The district is well served for performing arts, with the council maintaining the Rangiora and Oxford town halls, while Mainpower Stadium can be retrofitted for concerts.
Kaiapoi High School also has a 340-seat auditorium.
Hartley School of Performing Arts director Dale Hartley-Brown said the idea ‘‘sounds exciting’’.
She regularly booked the Rangiora Town Hall’s 350-seat auditorium for productions and events, but the venue had its limitations.
‘‘We definitely need something bigger. An 800-seat auditorium would be so good, I could do less shows and still make budget.
‘‘We used the school hall after the earthquakes and the school was fantastic.’’
Timeframes, cost and how the project would be funded were still being worked out, Kearney said.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
National MP Shane Reti shared pre-election that he's wanting to review the Health Star Rating used on NZ grocery products. This rating is voluntary and uses a scale of 0.5 to five stars to rank packaged food on its nutrient profile. Have these ratings had an affect on what you've been … View moreNational MP Shane Reti shared pre-election that he's wanting to review the Health Star Rating used on NZ grocery products. This rating is voluntary and uses a scale of 0.5 to five stars to rank packaged food on its nutrient profile. Have these ratings had an affect on what you've been buying?
Type NFP if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Ryman Healthcare has again been recognised as a top provider at the 2023 Aged Advisor ‘People Choice Awards’.
This year Ryman was selected as a finalist for Best Provider Nationwide, and Diana Isaac took home Best Large Retirement Village / Lifestyle Village.
The awards, run by … View moreRyman Healthcare has again been recognised as a top provider at the 2023 Aged Advisor ‘People Choice Awards’.
This year Ryman was selected as a finalist for Best Provider Nationwide, and Diana Isaac took home Best Large Retirement Village / Lifestyle Village.
The awards, run by agedadvisor.co.nz are based on almost 11,300 reviews and ratings for more than 890 facilities. Over 1600 of those in-depth reviews went towards this year’s awards.
Ryman took home the top prize in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. As a finalist this year Aged Advisor voters recognise Ryman’s continued growth and efforts within the aged care sector.
Click to read more.
For all your painting and decorating projects contact Andy and the friendly team at Enviro Painters Today.
Have a bar set for sale. Need gone. Originally from briscoes, never been used. Pick up from Kaiapoi or drop off for extra
Did you know that our pets can suffer the same illnesses as humans if they do not make regular contact with the Earth. Your beloved pets need Earthing too!
Earthing is one of the most natural and safest things you can do if your pet struggles with chronic pain, immune disorders, anxious behaviour,… View moreDid you know that our pets can suffer the same illnesses as humans if they do not make regular contact with the Earth. Your beloved pets need Earthing too!
Earthing is one of the most natural and safest things you can do if your pet struggles with chronic pain, immune disorders, anxious behaviour, or inflammatory diseases.
Lying down on our earthing mat promotes instant relief to your pet.
Daily Earthing either in nature or on our indoor earthing pet mat can result in progressive and sustained improvements in sleep, stress, pain, and disease recovery.
Size: 90 x 68 cm Soft 100% conductive perforated carbon leatherette that is eco-friendly and easy to clean. Simply wipe them down with any non-corrosive cleaner and allow them to air dry.
Give your furry friends the gift of grounding with our Earthing indoor pet mats. They deserve to be connected to the Earth's energy just as much as we do.
Purchase your mat here: Pickup is available from Rangiora
www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz...
Dear neighbours, surely it's not too soon to think of this most wonderful time of the year. In fact, we're looking for recipes for your favourite Christmas dishes, whether it's your mum's pavlova, grilled tiger prawns or a colourful summer salad, to feature in the magazine. … View moreDear neighbours, surely it's not too soon to think of this most wonderful time of the year. In fact, we're looking for recipes for your favourite Christmas dishes, whether it's your mum's pavlova, grilled tiger prawns or a colourful summer salad, to feature in the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by October 29, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the December issue of NZ Gardener.
We’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town, and Pam Driver of Burswood has shared her lovely neighbours, David and Lara Hurst, saying they “are just wonderful”.
This year, Pam had a missing cat, which was quite out of character. Driver let the Hursts know, and they joined the search, … View moreWe’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town, and Pam Driver of Burswood has shared her lovely neighbours, David and Lara Hurst, saying they “are just wonderful”.
This year, Pam had a missing cat, which was quite out of character. Driver let the Hursts know, and they joined the search, successfully locating him in the gap between the ceiling and roof of their neighbour’s house.
Pam said “They rescued him and brought him home to me... complete with some scratches! I hate to think what would have happened had he not been found”.
Pam nominated the Hursts to let them know she is thankful for them: “It’s so good to know I have such caring neighbours who have my back. Thank you neighbours!”
Nominate someone in your hood, and your special neighbour could feature on Stuff and Neighbourly as an inspiration to us all (plus there are prizes to be won!).
Have a whole lot of playboy glasses for sale. 4x spirit glasses, 3x wine glasses, 4x champagne glasses, 4x glass tumblers and 4x glass coasters, have not used any, apart from 1x wine glass and can not find it. Pick up Kaiapoi
Genuine Ferguson Discs hard to find a set in this great condition. Check out my other listings as having clear out of farm implements.
Viewing welcome
In great working order. Been shed stored since last used. Time for a clear out check out my other listings viewing welcome
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