City Talks: The Importance of A Dark Sky

Be inspired to look up at the stars with Becky Bateman. Becky is a dark sky advocate and owner of the astro-tourism business 'Under The Stars' which operates under the skies of the Wairarapa.

In her talk on the importance of a dark sky she will explain the dangers of artificial light and what a dark sky nation might look like. Hear how the current Dark Sky Reserve Proposal in Martinborough has boosted businesses, and benefitted the local community.

City Talks is an ongoing series initiated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Branch and presented in partnership with City Gallery Wellington. Its purpose is to foster discussion about architecture for a broader audience in a city that cares to openly discuss ideas relevant to our future.

Becky Bateman is originally from the UK, she moved to New Zealand permanently in 2011, working at Space Place at Carter Observatory for seven years before moving to the clear skies of the Waiarapa. Here she became a member of the Martinborough Dark Sky Society Committee and launched her business ‘Under The Stars’ to share the magic of the night sky with others.

She loved stargazing with her father when she was a child and has always felt an affinity with science and astronomy. This passion has propelled her activism for a dark sky nation and has led her business to become the winner of the Wairarapa Emerging Business Award 2019.