Light Pollution and Matariki w/ Richard Esther and Paul Moon: July 10th, 2022

Matariki is just two weeks away on June 24th, and progressively more discussions on how to properly celebrate the public holiday are taking place. 

A specific spotlight has been placed on light pollution, with some regional councils receiving backlash on plans to put on fireworks displays.

A petition has also been launched, calling for turning off lights in central cities to clear the skies and make the constellation visible.

To learn more about light pollution, Liam spoke to Richard Easter from UoA about how it could affect Matariki as well as the world in general.

Alongside the environmental effects of Light Pollution, many are talking about the cultural issues of the inability to see Matariki in central cities. 

This is only one of many fears of how Matariki will be celebrated, with concerns being raised of the commercialisation of the holiday and the loss of its meaning. 

I also spoke to AUT’s Paul Moon, who is a professor for the schools NZ history and Māori culture programmes, about the holiday, its significance and what meaning could be at risk.