Proposals for a dark sky reserve in the South Wairarapa District were initially developed in 2017 and presented to an initial public meeting in
Martinborough. In 2018, consultation about the proposals included the Carterton and
Masterton districts. At that time, the mayor of Carterton stated that their lighting already complied with the standards, and that they would join with the South Wairarapa District in making an application for designation. An application for Dark Sky Reserve status was submitted in December 2022. and the South Wairarapa and Carterton district councils, together with other local interested parties. In 2023, the Masterton District Council, governing an area of adjacent to the designated reserve, began planning and consultation for potentially expanding the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve to include the Masterton District. The work involved in making an application includes dark sky measurements and photos, a plan for lighting, and reductions in artificial lighting including changes to types of lighting and installation of shields. The Wellington Astronomical Society opened the Cretney Observatory near Martinborough in 2025. It houses a 400mm Testar Officina Stellare RiFAST telescope. ==See also==