OTAGO PENINSULA, WEST HARBOUR & COASTAL TOWNS

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Due to ongoing campaigning for biologically/ecologically responsible street lighting, certain areas of Dunedin have installed amber 2200 K LEDs, instead of the planned high-intensity, glary, white 3000 K LEDs. Although the amber LEDs have a better spectrum, they are still too intense and glary due to the inherent drawbacks of the technology and the design of the light source with a flat array of exposed diodes/chips. The transport department has applied dimming to most of the LEDs to help mitigate the high intensity of the LEDs. 

Although amber lighting was approved primarily to protect ecosystems (a first in NZ), to help preserve Dunedin’s reputation as NZ's wildlife capital and its appeal as a popular ecotourism destination,  there are other advantages that make this lighting a better option than the 3000 K installed elsewhere in the city. 

• It's less disruptive to the health, well-being, and life quality of human residents.

• Amber 2200 K LEDs emit light that's a similar orange colour to HPS street lights. This provides a warm ambience befitting Dunedin. 

• Connected to the Central Management System (CMS), amber LEDs are dimmable and can also be turned off during curfew hours or off-peak times, further reducing power consumption.

• Although shielded, amber LEDs have been designed specifically to minimise the impact of light on biology and protect habitats on Earth - they also help to preserve the night sky.

If your community wants to ensure future generations also benefit from the decisions made now, protective lighting ordinances and best lighting practices can be established so your region continues to have sustainable, ecologically and biologically responsible lighting. (Click here to learn more.) 

Amber street lighting will help protect endangered native flora and fauna at Orokunui Ecosanctuary, the Albatross colony, as well as harbour and aquatic life - so amber lighting has been installed on the Otago Peninsula, Purakanui, and the small coastal towns north of Dunedin, including Waitati, Warrington, Seacliff, Karitane and Waikouaiti. Unfortunately, the suburb of Tomahawk, which is home to rich biodiversity, was overlooked and has had 3000 K LEDs installed.  

While "Amber Lit Communities" will demonstrate commitment to sustainability and lead the way - there’s another benefit to this lighting.  

Dunedin can become a “galactic gateway” to other astro tourism destinations in the South Island, as New Zealand moves towards becoming the world’s first Dark Sky Nation.

Also, there are current plans to link these small coastal communities by a cycleway, so there's an opportunity to harness the special advantage of having responsible, dark sky compliant lighting. Dunedin could have the first amber lit constellation cycleway in the world. 

Furthermore, if these special places meet the criteria, recognition can be sought from Dark Skies International (formely the International Dark Skies Association (IDA) to become dark sky destinations.  

Dark Skies status offers many social, cultural, and economic bonuses. 

www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/communities

Just imagine what a constellation of “Dark Sky Communities” will offer, and also how valuable it is for Dunedin to have claim to a twinkling treasure trove of stars that provide infinite awe, wonder and woo.