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Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Slowing down in Tekapo
In a slump, Dunedin writer Lisa Scott dips her toes into the wellness trend in Tekapo. Aaaaah, you've arrived. Almost everyone exhales coming over the hill, taking that first view of Takapō/Tekapo. It's a physical and psychological surrender to the great lake and mountains. Breathe out, slow down, stop. There's a large painting of the Church of the Good Shepherd in winter hanging at my house, Round Hill skifield in the background. I found it at Hayward's auctions a decade ago — painted in the '70s. Little has changed from the scene captured then, bar the number of tourists surrounding the church. Visiting Tekapo is stepping into a painting. The tranquillity and quietness of this village in the Mackenzie region inspire self-reflection; even the streetlights bow their heads in respect of the night skies, dimmed to help your circadian rhythm. Look up and wish upon a star or a trundling satellite. Feel the presence of the great mothers: nature and the maunga Aoraki. I'm here for Breathe Tekapo, a health and wellness (I accidentally said "wealth and hellness", conjuring the image of a despotic billionaire) festival in its second year. In the past, I would have laughed my head off at this stuff, but 100 rainbows later and now a recovering pessimist, I've come a long way in a year. I've been in a slump recently. I don't feel like myself, feel discontent with everything. I could do with a bucket of wellness. Precious time in support of self, the three-day jam-packed Breathe Tekapo programme features stress control techniques, yoga, fermenting, foraging, journaling, guided walks, Buddhist meditation and an alpine plunge. I was particularly drawn to the talk about "kindling hope for the future" by Dr Denise Quinlan — if there has ever been a time in human history where hope needed to be found, it's now. After the welcome and karakia at the Dark Sky Project, a crowd packed the community hall for tales of human endurance from Bob McLachlan, an adventure racing world champion who's just about to take part in the world's longest kayak race, paddling 1000 miles (the length of New Zealand), from Canada to Alaska on the Yukon, where the bears are. Adventure racing relies on being open about your abilities and Bob is the most laid-back, self-effacing world champ you'd ever meet, with a career begun as a kid when his older brother had a bike and he didn't, so he had to run everywhere. Adversity meets stubborn determination meets triumph. Sunrise yoga with Kate Watkinson was like no yoga class I've ever experienced. Moving to music, giving your body a pat, awakening mind and body — it felt like a form of worship and self-love. I would have sore thighs for a week afterwards, a nice reminder that I do, actually, have some muscles, just unused. There's something about the healing powers of being in a group of mostly women, some of whom had travelled from as far north as near Cape Reinga, and were there for reasons that spoke to why it's so important to step out of your life from time to time: looking for a reset towards retirement, seeking motivation and inspiration, taking a year out of their job, a sisters' trip, curiosity, a girl's weekend, to get off the farm, to make room for reflection. The weekend was remedy for a state we all commonly find ourselves in these days: saying yes to too many things and now finding yourself past your limit and not wanting to do any more things. Throwing yourself in a frigid 6°C lake certainly builds community: a community of mentalists. We were advised to be conscious of our breathing, to aid immersion, but I started hyperventilating the second my feet met the chill. Local cold-water dippers (a bunch of good-looking lunatics) stayed in for a ridiculous amount of time, but I was a two-second wonder. Holy Wim Hof it was cold. Like all type 2 fun, it felt amazing when it wasn't happening any more, and you could congratulate yourself for your audacity. One of the highlights (for me) was the introduction to foraging with Jackie Philips. Foraging is nature's cognitive behavioural therapy, with the added bonus of knowing where your food comes from and experiencing a deeper sense of the environment — plus, constantly learning staves off Alzheimer's. Foraging might seem tame, a budget-friendly way to eat organic, but it's also thrillingly dangerous. For every birch bolete headed for the fry pan there's a copycat plant, a bad twin — hemlock mistaken for fennel, a death cap in your beef wellington. There's not "mushroom" for error. Best story of mistaken identity was Jackie yelling "Stop the car!" on an expedition with partner Peter Langlands, "it's a porcini!" — only to find it was an enormous Boston bun. You need wisdom to forage. Never forage a downward sloping road bank (road runoff), know where the historical dump sites are, where there has been spraying. On a simple walk around the block, we found quinces, autumn berries and crab apples, edible ferns, boletes and fly agaric, a poisonous psychoactive mushroom. Vikings used to feed it to reindeers to filter the poison through their kidneys and then drink the reindeer pee to get high. We didn't have time in the schedule for that. Clinical psychologist Julie Zarifeh has turned significant personal loss and grief into a quest to squeeze the most out of life. I had a sad realisation doing one of her exercises: that the bulk of my time is spent at work, with none for community and little for family — a bit of a wonky balance. How many social networks are you involved in? Zero. And I should definitely spend more time with my mum. Julie's message: remember the simple things that give you joy. Clear away the things that sap your energy. Choose what you focus on and savour those you most enjoy, stretching out the moment, paying attention to detail. We finished with soak in the stars stargazing at Tekapo Springs, something I've always wanted to do. The stars were having some time to themselves. The heavens opened, and it poured down. Instead of a disappointment, it made for a completely unique experience as we soaked in the pools like Japanese macaques while a lovely astrologer in a parka sat on the side and told us stories about the earth mother and sky father, Papatūānuka and Ranginui. I went to bed feeling a deep sense of restfulness and wellbeing. Feeling slumpy happens. You're crushing it, be nice to yourself. — Breathe Tekapo will be back next year.
Otago Daily Times
03-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
20th year for dark sky project
One of New Zealand's most "out of this world'' experiences recently celebrated 20 years since it brought astrotourism to the masses, putting Takapō (Lake Tekapo) on the map. A celebration was held last month, featuring the screening of a documentary exploring the Dark Sky Project's origins. It also detailed the efforts of the co-founders and supporters to establish the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012. The Dark Sky Project is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Tourism and co-founders, Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa. Each year, more than 45,000 manuhiri (visitors) enjoy the stars up close through exclusive star gazing tours and other digital and outdoor experiences. Dark Sky Project general manager and Ngāi Tahu astronomer Victoria Campbell said astrotourism was a growing market, with research showing 70% of people thinking about visiting New Zealand were interested in stargazing. "I'm excited that 20 years on, we're still sharing their love of the night sky along with mātauranga [knowledge] Māori and our traditional Ngāi Tahu stories about whetū (stars). "Ngāi Tahu Tourism is very proud to be associated with the pioneers of astrotourism." Co-founders Mr Murray and Mr Ozawa remain closely involved with Dark Sky Project and are proud of their influence on stargazing as a tourism activity. "Our journey over the past two decades under the pristine dark skies of the Mackenzie has been truly special. "We've enjoyed the unique opportunity to blend science with tourism, giving rise to the term 'astrotourism'," Mr Murray said. It was Mr Ozawa who first told Mr Murray that New Zealanders did not value their stars enough. "Most New Zealanders are probably not aware of just how special our view of the night sky is. It is especially breathtaking in Takapō, thanks to the ideal latitude and clear skies with no light pollution," Mr Ozawa said. Its stargazing tours are now woven with tātai arorangi (Ngāi Tahu astronomy), as well as cultural stories about the night sky that had never been previously shared outside of the iwi. Through tourism, reconnection with te taiao (the environment) creates lasting memories for manuhiri. The Dark Sky Project is a way to revive some of that mātauranga, some of those traditions and stories about the night sky. Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, Waihao Upoko Tewera King and Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Upoko David Higgins were among the rōpū (group) who generously shared their ancestral stories when Ngāi Tahu Tourism partnered with Mr Murray and Mr Ozawa. Te Manahuna (Mackenzie Basin) was traditionally a gateway for Ngāi Tahu ancestors to connect and trade as they travelled around Te Waipounamu (South Island). Mr King described it as the heartbeat of the takiwā (tribal boundary) for his hapū. "When you're up on Ōtehīwai [University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory] and the sky is perfect, it almost feels like you can reach out and touch the moon — it's a very spiritual place," Mr King said. "The Dark Sky Project has given us the opportunity to share our own kōrero [story] and promote indigenous science to hundreds of thousands of manuhiri, while also encouraging the next generation of Māori navigators, sailors and astronauts." The documentary is available to watch on Dark Sky Project's social media pages and YouTube. — APL
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Mānawatia A Matariki – NZ Post Stamps Look To The Stars Ahead Of The Māori New Year
Press Release – NZ Post Featuring an image of the Milky Way captured in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the stamps were developed in partnership with Dark Sky Project General Manager and Ki Tahu astronomer Victoria Campbell. To acknowledge Matariki mā Puaka in 2025, the latest stamps from NZ Post are highlighting the importance of protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's dark skies. One of the world's most precious natural wonders, the spectacle of a clear night sky has fascinated humans for millennia. The position of stars helped to guide Polynesian navigators across the Pacific to Aotearoa New Zealand, and astronomy is one of the world's oldest natural sciences. 'We've been celebrating Matariki with stamps since 2008 and this year we're pleased to highlight six star constellations, including Matariki, the Southern Cross / Māhutonga, and Taurus / Te Kōkota, which can all be seen in our skies this winter,' NZ Post's Programme Manager Lynette Townsend says. Popular Takapō (Tekapo) based astro-tourism experience, Dark Sky Project features in this year's collection. Combining science, Māori cultural perspectives, and awe-inspiring celestial views, Dark Sky Project offers internationally sought-after stargazing and astronomy experiences. 'Dark Sky Project plays a part in making sure New Zealanders have access to astronomy, and to the universally appealing hobby of stargazing. We were delighted to learn that it is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This stamp collection is one way to acknowledge the positive impact astrotourism has had at deepening our understanding of the stars,' she says. Featuring an image of the Milky Way captured in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the stamps were developed in partnership with Dark Sky Project General Manager and Kāi Tahu astronomer Victoria Campbell. Campbell was a member of the Matariki Advisory Group charged with the task of providing recommendations to the Government on the establishment of the Matariki Public Holiday. She says the constellations and star clusters featured on the stamps will all be visible in our pre-dawn skies this winter, with the best views available from Dark Sky Reserves, such as the one at Takapō. 'We're very proud to share the beauty of our dark skies through this limited stamp collection. The stars we have highlighted are significant to us as descendants of navigators who applied their celestial knowledge to their every day lives. 'We hope collectors will use this opportunity to engage with the names and patterns of the stars in our skies and through that connection be more aware of the importance of good lighting practices, so future generations can enjoy the stars at home like we can in Takapō.' The stamps can be pre-ordered on the NZ Post Collectables website in advance of the issue date of 19 June 2025. They will also be available to purchase directly from Dark Sky Project in Takapō, and New Zealand's highest post box located in the Astro Café at the top of Mount John. Comprised of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was the third Dark Sky Reserve to be recognised in the world, and Aotearoa New Zealand's first. It is also the largest dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks to the reserve, the dark skies of the Mackenzie region are mostly free of light pollution, which is created by the use of artificial light at night. Light pollution impairs our ability to see the universe through the naked eye Find out more about Dark Sky Project at Formerly known as Earth and Sky, Dark Sky Project is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Tourism and co-founders Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa. Visit to see the stamp collection. More information about the stamps: To acknowledge Matariki, the Māori New Year, this stamp sheetlet highlights Aotearoa New Zealand's dark skies with a stunning image from Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. $2.90 Southern Cross/Māhutonga – The Southern Cross constellation, a national symbol of Aotearoa New Zealand, is visible year-round in the southern hemisphere sky. It has long been used for navigation, helping to locate the South Celestial Pole when used alongside other stars. Across the world, cultures have shared stories about the stars; in Aotearoa, some iwi (tribes) viewed the Southern Cross as the anchor of a great sky canoe. $2.90 Taurus/Te Kōkota – The naming and interpretation of stars vary across cultures. In Aotearoa, the Hyades open star cluster—part of the constellation Taurus—and the adjacent bright orange star Taumata-kuku (Aldebaran) are known collectively as Te Kōkota. $2.90 Orion's belt & sword/ Tautoru & Te Kakau – Orion was named by the ancient Greeks, who saw the seven bright stars as a giant. A line of three stars forms his belt, from which his sword hangs. In Aotearoa, Orion's Belt is known as Tautoru and, when including Te Kakau—another row of stars extending at an angle -is often referred to as a pot with a handle. $2.90 Aries/Pipiri – Pipiri marks the first month of the maramataka, a traditional Māori lunisolar calendar, and is associated with the stars Hamal and Sharatan in the constellation Aries. Aries is an ancient star group that has historically been depicted as a sheep or ram by many early cultures. Its modern name is derived from the Greek and Roman myth of the Golden Fleece. $4.00 Winter Triangle – This asterism—a recognizable pattern of stars—includes Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Sirius (Takurua), one of the brightest stars in the sky. Known as the Winter Triangle in the northern hemisphere, this group of stars is visible during summer in the southern hemisphere. Thanks to its bright stars, it's an excellent starting point for those new to stargazing. $4.70 Matariki – Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as Pleiades, Subaru or the seven sisters. The Māori New Year is celebrated annually across Aotearoa New Zealand when, in mid-winter, the Matariki star cluster rises.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Scoop
Mānawatia A Matariki - NZ Post Stamps Look To The Stars Ahead Of The Māori New Year
To acknowledge Matariki mā Puaka in 2025, the latest stamps from NZ Post are highlighting the importance of protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's dark skies. One of the world's most precious natural wonders, the spectacle of a clear night sky has fascinated humans for millennia. The position of stars helped to guide Polynesian navigators across the Pacific to Aotearoa New Zealand, and astronomy is one of the world's oldest natural sciences. 'We've been celebrating Matariki with stamps since 2008 and this year we're pleased to highlight six star constellations, including Matariki, the Southern Cross / Māhutonga, and Taurus / Te Kōkota, which can all be seen in our skies this winter,' NZ Post's Programme Manager Lynette Townsend says. Popular Takapō (Tekapo) based astro-tourism experience, Dark Sky Project features in this year's collection. Combining science, Māori cultural perspectives, and awe-inspiring celestial views, Dark Sky Project offers internationally sought-after stargazing and astronomy experiences. 'Dark Sky Project plays a part in making sure New Zealanders have access to astronomy, and to the universally appealing hobby of stargazing. We were delighted to learn that it is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This stamp collection is one way to acknowledge the positive impact astrotourism has had at deepening our understanding of the stars,' she says. Featuring an image of the Milky Way captured in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the stamps were developed in partnership with Dark Sky Project General Manager and Kāi Tahu astronomer Victoria Campbell. Campbell was a member of the Matariki Advisory Group charged with the task of providing recommendations to the Government on the establishment of the Matariki Public Holiday. She says the constellations and star clusters featured on the stamps will all be visible in our pre-dawn skies this winter, with the best views available from Dark Sky Reserves, such as the one at Takapō. 'We're very proud to share the beauty of our dark skies through this limited stamp collection. The stars we have highlighted are significant to us as descendants of navigators who applied their celestial knowledge to their every day lives. 'We hope collectors will use this opportunity to engage with the names and patterns of the stars in our skies and through that connection be more aware of the importance of good lighting practices, so future generations can enjoy the stars at home like we can in Takapō.' The stamps can be pre-ordered on the NZ Post Collectables website in advance of the issue date of 19 June 2025. They will also be available to purchase directly from Dark Sky Project in Takapō, and New Zealand's highest post box located in the Astro Café at the top of Mount John. Comprised of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was the third Dark Sky Reserve to be recognised in the world, and Aotearoa New Zealand's first. It is also the largest dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks to the reserve, the dark skies of the Mackenzie region are mostly free of light pollution, which is created by the use of artificial light at night. Light pollution impairs our ability to see the universe through the naked eye Find out more about Dark Sky Project at Formerly known as Earth and Sky, Dark Sky Project is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Tourism and co-founders Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa. Visit to see the stamp collection. More information about the stamps: To acknowledge Matariki, the Māori New Year, this stamp sheetlet highlights Aotearoa New Zealand's dark skies with a stunning image from Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. $2.90 Southern Cross/Māhutonga - The Southern Cross constellation, a national symbol of Aotearoa New Zealand, is visible year-round in the southern hemisphere sky. It has long been used for navigation, helping to locate the South Celestial Pole when used alongside other stars. Across the world, cultures have shared stories about the stars; in Aotearoa, some iwi (tribes) viewed the Southern Cross as the anchor of a great sky canoe. $2.90 Taurus/Te Kōkota - The naming and interpretation of stars vary across cultures. In Aotearoa, the Hyades open star cluster—part of the constellation Taurus—and the adjacent bright orange star Taumata-kuku (Aldebaran) are known collectively as Te Kōkota. $2.90 Orion's belt & sword/ Tautoru & Te Kakau - Orion was named by the ancient Greeks, who saw the seven bright stars as a giant. A line of three stars forms his belt, from which his sword hangs. In Aotearoa, Orion's Belt is known as Tautoru and, when including Te Kakau—another row of stars extending at an angle -is often referred to as a pot with a handle. $2.90 Aries/Pipiri - Pipiri marks the first month of the maramataka, a traditional Māori lunisolar calendar, and is associated with the stars Hamal and Sharatan in the constellation Aries. Aries is an ancient star group that has historically been depicted as a sheep or ram by many early cultures. Its modern name is derived from the Greek and Roman myth of the Golden Fleece. $4.00 Winter Triangle - This asterism—a recognizable pattern of stars—includes Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Sirius (Takurua), one of the brightest stars in the sky. Known as the Winter Triangle in the northern hemisphere, this group of stars is visible during summer in the southern hemisphere. Thanks to its bright stars, it's an excellent starting point for those new to stargazing. $4.70 Matariki - Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as Pleiades, Subaru or the seven sisters. The Māori New Year is celebrated annually across Aotearoa New Zealand when, in mid-winter, the Matariki star cluster rises.
Scoop
08-06-2025
- Scoop
Mānawatia A Matariki - NZ Post Stamps Look To The Stars Ahead Of The Māori New Year
To acknowledge Matariki mā Puaka in 2025, the latest stamps from NZ Post are highlighting the importance of protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's dark skies. One of the world's most precious natural wonders, the spectacle of a clear night sky has fascinated humans for millennia. The position of stars helped to guide Polynesian navigators across the Pacific to Aotearoa New Zealand, and astronomy is one of the world's oldest natural sciences. 'We've been celebrating Matariki with stamps since 2008 and this year we're pleased to highlight six star constellations, including Matariki, the Southern Cross / Māhutonga, and Taurus / Te Kōkota, which can all be seen in our skies this winter,' NZ Post's Programme Manager Lynette Townsend says. Popular Takapō (Tekapo) based astro-tourism experience, Dark Sky Project features in this year's collection. Combining science, Māori cultural perspectives, and awe-inspiring celestial views, Dark Sky Project offers internationally sought-after stargazing and astronomy experiences. 'Dark Sky Project plays a part in making sure New Zealanders have access to astronomy, and to the universally appealing hobby of stargazing. We were delighted to learn that it is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. This stamp collection is one way to acknowledge the positive impact astrotourism has had at deepening our understanding of the stars,' she says. Featuring an image of the Milky Way captured in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the stamps were developed in partnership with Dark Sky Project General Manager and Kāi Tahu astronomer Victoria Campbell. Campbell was a member of the Matariki Advisory Group charged with the task of providing recommendations to the Government on the establishment of the Matariki Public Holiday. She says the constellations and star clusters featured on the stamps will all be visible in our pre-dawn skies this winter, with the best views available from Dark Sky Reserves, such as the one at Takapō. 'We're very proud to share the beauty of our dark skies through this limited stamp collection. The stars we have highlighted are significant to us as descendants of navigators who applied their celestial knowledge to their every day lives. 'We hope collectors will use this opportunity to engage with the names and patterns of the stars in our skies and through that connection be more aware of the importance of good lighting practices, so future generations can enjoy the stars at home like we can in Takapō.' The stamps can be pre-ordered on the NZ Post Collectables website in advance of the issue date of 19 June 2025. They will also be available to purchase directly from Dark Sky Project in Takapō, and New Zealand's highest post box located in the Astro Café at the top of Mount John. Comprised of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was the third Dark Sky Reserve to be recognised in the world, and Aotearoa New Zealand's first. It is also the largest dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks to the reserve, the dark skies of the Mackenzie region are mostly free of light pollution, which is created by the use of artificial light at night. Light pollution impairs our ability to see the universe through the naked eye Find out more about Dark Sky Project at Formerly known as Earth and Sky, Dark Sky Project is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Tourism and co-founders Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa. Visit to see the stamp collection. More information about the stamps: To acknowledge Matariki, the Māori New Year, this stamp sheetlet highlights Aotearoa New Zealand's dark skies with a stunning image from Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. $2.90 Southern Cross/Māhutonga - The Southern Cross constellation, a national symbol of Aotearoa New Zealand, is visible year-round in the southern hemisphere sky. It has long been used for navigation, helping to locate the South Celestial Pole when used alongside other stars. Across the world, cultures have shared stories about the stars; in Aotearoa, some iwi (tribes) viewed the Southern Cross as the anchor of a great sky canoe. $2.90 Taurus/Te Kōkota - The naming and interpretation of stars vary across cultures. In Aotearoa, the Hyades open star cluster—part of the constellation Taurus—and the adjacent bright orange star Taumata-kuku (Aldebaran) are known collectively as Te Kōkota. $2.90 Orion's belt & sword/ Tautoru & Te Kakau - Orion was named by the ancient Greeks, who saw the seven bright stars as a giant. A line of three stars forms his belt, from which his sword hangs. In Aotearoa, Orion's Belt is known as Tautoru and, when including Te Kakau—another row of stars extending at an angle -is often referred to as a pot with a handle. $2.90 Aries/Pipiri - Pipiri marks the first month of the maramataka, a traditional Māori lunisolar calendar, and is associated with the stars Hamal and Sharatan in the constellation Aries. Aries is an ancient star group that has historically been depicted as a sheep or ram by many early cultures. Its modern name is derived from the Greek and Roman myth of the Golden Fleece. $4.00 Winter Triangle - This asterism—a recognizable pattern of stars—includes Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Sirius (Takurua), one of the brightest stars in the sky. Known as the Winter Triangle in the northern hemisphere, this group of stars is visible during summer in the southern hemisphere. Thanks to its bright stars, it's an excellent starting point for those new to stargazing. $4.70 Matariki - Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as Pleiades, Subaru or the seven sisters. The Māori New Year is celebrated annually across Aotearoa New Zealand when, in mid-winter, the Matariki star cluster rises.
