Great South Destination Development Manager Amie Young was awarded the Dark Sky Project Bright Star Award at the Royal Astronomical Society of NZ’s annual conference in Wellington this month. 

A ‘bright star’ recognises contributions to the promotion of astronomy and dark skies within New Zealand, and the award itself is in the shape of an astrolabe, which is an ancient instrument used to make astronomical measurements.

Amie has been working on dark sky tourism opportunities for Southland since June 2017 through her role at Great South.

NZ Astronomical Society president and Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve chairperson Steve Butler said dark skies was much “more than just a job” for Amie.

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“It’s great to see somebody who starts in a role become passionate about the work they’re doing and then take it so much further.”

Amie was instrumental in Rakiura Stewart Island becoming the world’s southernmost International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2019, working with stakeholders to ensure its sustained success, and leading the preparation of an application to the International Dark Sky Association.

She has led the continued support for dark sky protection and astro-tourism in the region, with the development of dark sky-focussed events, education initiatives and marketing and a Dark Sky Ambassador training course offered on Rakiura, resulted in the island’s first stargazing tourism operation, Twinkle Dark Sky Tours, launching in April 2021.

Amie is now working with the Fiordland community on the potential for Fiordland to achieve International Dark Sky Park accreditation and that same training has been held in Te Anau.

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She was honoured to receive the award.

“I am passionate about dark skies. The majority of Southland has limited light pollution which means there are many opportunities for dark skies. Fiordland in particular has an exceptional night sky.

“I would encourage Southlanders in all areas to celebrate the night sky and make dark sky-friendly lighting choices for their homes and businesses.”

“It’s fantastic to see our reputation as a stargazing destination grow, with visitors increasingly coming to the region to experience our night sky.