There are two opportunities for astronomy people and groups to make submissions that may help protect the night sky from the effects of artificial light at night.

The first is a second round of public consultation on the Natural and Built Environments Bill which will in part replace the Resource Management Act. The Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand and many RASNZ Affiliated Societies made submissions in 2023. At this stage the proposed Bill doesn't specifically include protection for the night environment. This is an opportunity for us all to make our concerns known and to seek these protections.

Information on the Bill and this round of submissions can be found here:

https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/53SCEN_SCF_BILL_129831/natural-and-built-environment-bill

The closing date for submissions is 11:59pm on 5th February 2023.

A copy of the RASNZ submission for the first exposure draft of the Bill can be downloaded here.

The second opportunity is to make submissions to the Standard AS/NZS 4282 Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting

https://comment.standards.org.au/Drafts/23715326-0cee-4cb5-bbb3-837c20075acd

Note that you need to create an account on the Standards Australia website to see the standard.

https://standards.my.site.com/idppoc/s/login/

The closing date for submissions is 23rd February 2023.

The AS/NZS 4282 Standard provides some protections for observatories.

See: https://www.rasnz.org.nz/rasnz-info/nz-observatory-registration-1
 

If you have any questions please email: urbanstars@rasnz.org.nz

Article added: Monday 09 January 2023