U3A Alexandra Series 3 - Session 4 - A Pacific Neighbour - Vanuatu

Central Otago International Dark Sky Reserve 

Speaker: Andy Davey 

Andy is an IT Consultant by day and an avid astro-photographer by night, blending technical expertise with creative passion. As CEO of the Winterstellar Charitable Trust, he co-curates the annual Winterstellar Exhibition and helps organize events that celebrate Central Otago’s breathtaking night skies. With a degree in Astrophysics from Newcastle University and certification from the Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy, Andy now leads stargazing tours and Night Sky Guiding experiences, sharing his love for the cosmos. He’s traded football goals for capturing celestial wonders through his camera lens.

In this session, Andy will present an inspiring initiative: applying for International Dark Sky Reserve status for Central Otago through Dark Sky International. This rare region, part of the 0.1% of inhabited land where both the Aurora and the Milky Way’s core are visible, offers some of the world’s most pristine night skies. The proposed designation aims to protect this natural treasure, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the awe and wonder that the night sky brings.