Our People
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve (AMIDSR) is managed by a board of dedicated people with wide ranging skills and interests. Our purpose is to preserve the dark sky reserve, provide outreach and education, promote star-gazing and astro-tourism, and protect astronomical research at Mt John University Observatory. We are a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.
Our Mission
To maintain formal accreditation as a Dark Sky Reserve from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), by working with key stakeholders and engaging with local communities to preserve the quality of the natural night skies through responsible lighting policies, actions, and public education.
Our Vision
That the quality of the natural night skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve are protected against light pollution – now and in perpetuity – and the reserve is recognised in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally as a centre for astro-tourism and public education.
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Steve Butler
Chair of the AMIDSR Board
President and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ), leader of the RASNZ DarkSkies Group, and member of the International Dark-Sky Association.
Prof John Hearnshaw
Astronomer
Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at the University of Canterbury. Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Bruce Mincham
Treasurer
Representing the community of Twizel.
Cr Kerry Bellringer
Mackenzie District Council
Representative of the Mackenzie District Council
Gavin 'Snow' Loxton
Farmer and Environmentalist
Gavin manages Sawdon Station near Lake Tekapo.
Victoria Campbell
Secretary
Representing Maori perspectives on Astronomy. Kāi/Ngāi Tahu.
Alan Gilmore
Astronomer
Past Superintendent of Mt John Observatory, Manager of the Reserve, Lake Tekapo.
Hon Margaret Austin
Patron
Office of Patron and Project leader for AMIDSR. Advisor on world heritage issues. Companion of NZ Order of Merit.
Amy Menard
Skylark Creative
Administration, website and marketing.
Ursula Paul
Department of Conservation
Representative for the Department of Conservation.
Michele Banister
University of Canterbury
Lecturer in astrophysics at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
Adrien Vilquin Barrajon
Dark Sky Project
Adrien works for Dark Sky Project in Takapō and has dedicated his career to the public outreach of astronomy.