Naseby’s Night Sky – Plan Change 22
Plan Change 22: LIGHT (Dark Sky)
The Central Otago District Council is advancing Plan Change 22 (Plan Change) to the Central Otago District Plan (CODP) to include a new section in the CODP supporting the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the night sky from the adverse effects of lighting.
Background
The Plan Change is the product of the Naseby Vision as a community development organisation committed to protecting the sky from light pollution. The Royal Astronomy Society of New Zealand released a report in 2018 which concluded that “the sky quality of Naseby is top tier” and Naseby’s geographical positioning could make an “ideal place to view the night sky.”[1]
A priority of the Plan Change is to control light emissions and pollution from new development in the proposed dark sky area. The provisions include measures such as fitting out sky lights and large windows with coverings, and controls on outdoor lighting, to mitigate light spill past 10pm.
Public Notice: Plan Change 22 to the Central Otago District Plan
A full copy of the proposal being Plan Change 22, accompanied by a section 32 evaluation report relating to the Plan Change, is available at Council Offices and Public Libraries in the district, as well as on the Council’s engagement platform.
Submissions and Further Submissions
Submissions for the Plan Change closed on Friday 10th November 2023. A total of twelve submitters all voiced their support for the Plan Change, a summary of which can be found here.
If you wish to have a say on the Plan Change you can join as a “Further Submitter”. This will give you standing to take part in the Council hearing, and any later steps (such as the Environment Court), to influence the content of the Plan Change.
Further Submissions must be lodged no later than 4pm on Tuesday 23rd January 2024.
[1] Central Otago District Plan: Plan Change 22 – Light (Dark Sky) Explanation and Section 32 Evaluation Report.
Want to know more?
Should you require assistance lodging a further submission, please contact our Queenstown Resource Management team.
PDF version here.
For more information contact: