Where the stars speak
02 July 2026 - 02 July 2026
Region(s): Auckland
Type(s): presentations
Enjoy an evening in MOTAT's Aviation Hall with a panel discussion exploring the preservation of the night sky and the value of darkness.
Ngā Kōrero Rererangi Aviation Conversations is an evening series celebrating aviation in Aotearoa and the Pacific, from the innovations of the past to the technologies shaping its future.
This talk explores the protection the night sky and the Dark Sky Movement. There will be a lively panel discussion featuring Nicky McArthur MNZM and Josh Aoraki, followed by a Q and A session.
The night sky has long served as a guiding force for sailors, pilots and the birds that share our skies. Join two of Aotearoa’s leading advocates on the Dark Sky Movement for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of preserving the darkness above us.
About the speakers
The evening will be hosted by celebrated MC Lauren Tīpene, presenter and ex-air steward who brings her own industry insight to the discussion.
Nicky McArthur MNZM (Patron & Co-Founder, Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary)
For pilots, navigators, and aviation enthusiasts, the night sky is more than a backdrop – it’s a lifeline. Nicky McArthur knows this better than most.
As patron and co-founder of the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Nicky has been at the forefront of protecting one of our most undervalued natural resources: darkness itself. What began as a mission to protect the Hutton’s Shearwater – an endangered native seabird that depends on dark skies to safely land during fledgling, has now grown into a landmark achievement in environmental conservation and scientific measurement.
Kaikōura sanctuary, approved in 2024, is New Zealand’s third International Dark Sky Sanctuary and by far the largest, spanning more than 2,000 square kilometres.
Now a key voice in New Zealand’s national conversation on light pollution regulation, Nicky brings a unique perspective that connects conservation, aviation safety, human health, and the cultural significance of Te Kāhui o Matariki (our night sky) to audiences across Aotearoa.
Josh Aoraki (Kāi Tahu) (Astronomer & Science Communicator, Te Whatu Stardome)
What does it actually take to see the stars? For Josh Aoraki, that question has driven over a decade of work in astronomy, deep-sky observation, and science communication.
Based at Auckland’s Te Whatu Stardome, Josh has spent years navigating the growing challenge of light pollution, not just as an abstract environmental issue, but as something he encounters first-hand every time he points a telescope at the sky. As an astrophotographer, the encroachment of artificial light is personal.
Now one of Aotearoa’s most engaging voices on the night sky, Josh focuses on connecting people with the cosmos and making the case for why protecting our skies matters – for astronomy, for wildlife and for the communities who live beneath them.
Bringing together science, conservation and lived experience, this special event shines a light on one of the most urgent and often overlooked environmental challenges of our time.
Location: MOTAT, 805 Great North Road and 98 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
For more information and to book tickets: https://motat.nz/events/aviation-conversations-2026.
Related content
The Globe at Night citizen science project asks participants to upload photographic data. It has extensive resources about light pollution. Read this case study and accompanying unit plan, with activities, to find out how one year 5/6 teacher used this project. Discover how the learning transitioned from learning about light to considering light pollution and its impacts.
Loss of the Night is a free, easy-to-use app that helps users locate eight stars that should be visible in the local night sky. App users indicate how well they can see each star. The purpose is to monitor skyglow and light pollution.
Remember to check out the range of related resources and useful links at the bottom of these articles.
Use this activity to support students to identify constellations.
The Hub has extensive resources curated under the topic astronomy. Use the filters to narrow your search.