History made as Great Barrier Island becomes Dark Sky Sanctuary for stargazers

One of the Hauraki Gulf's most rugged and pristine inhabited islands has celebrated its first night as a dark sky sanctuary.

Great Barrier Island, just 90km from downtown Auckland, officially became the first island on the globe to be designated a sanctuary by the International Dark-Sky Association.

The remote island, which has no electricity grid and minimal light pollution, meets strict outdoor lighting standards allowing for spectacular stargazing.

Mayor Phil Goff, Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye, dignitaries and around 250 local residents celebrated last night's official launch which was co-ordinated by Great Barrier Local Board.

"The Great Barrier community has thrown their weight behind this project and once again shown their commitment to Great Barrier's long-term conservation," said Goff.

"Their hard work has brought us together to celebrate a great moment in Auckland's history and a new milestone in the effort to protect and conserve Great Barrier's natural beauty for future generations to enjoy."

International Dark-Sky Association programme manager John Barentine said the island was a near perfect setting for a world-class sanctuary, including a community largely living off the grid finding meaning in a slower pace of life.

A local resident behind the island sanctuary status, Richard Somerville-Ryan, said it was a move that had been embraced by many in the community.

"We had the right place for it, a remote, pristine environment, that's off the grid. It was the right time for us to ensure we protected the dark sky, and we had the right people," he said.

Great Barrier Local Board Chair Izzy Fordham said the island was just the third place in the world to be afforded sanctuary status and an important step for conservation in the Gulf.

"Ecotourism is extremely important to Great Barrier Island and the Aotea/Great Barrier Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary status will not only provide further tourism development and economic growth opportunities but also ensure the preservation of our exceptional starry skies."

There were now 20 Dark Sky ambassadors on the island ready to share with tourists the history of starry nights.