Tūrangawaewae

Photo supplied by Akaroa Stargazing

After nearly two years as MP for Banks Peninsula, Dr Vanessa Weenink, who previously served as a medic in the New Zealand Army for twenty years, has come to know that the environment is one of the main reasons her constituents – including herself – love living in the electorate. 

“From the Port Hills to the surrounding bays, people enjoy having nature on their doorstep.” 

Vanessa has lived in Banks Peninsula since raising her son and working as a GP, before entering politics. 

“Being the Banks Peninsula MP has been my favourite job yet. I can help communities now, as well as individuals.” 

Working with community and environmental groups, the Christchurch City Council, and business owners on the Peninsula, Vanessa and her Banks Peninsula office team have launched a ‘brighter future through darker skies’ initiative to secure international dark sky accreditation. 

“I wanted to bring those passionate, like-minded organisations together to create something long-lasting and sustainable. 

“The initiative focuses on protecting the environment while providing sustainable tourism, especially during the slower winter months for business owners. 

“This will also help preserve the night sky’s cultural significance, particularly for Māori astronomy,” Vanessa says. 

The Council have already adopted responsible lighting guidelines across Banks Peninsula and Christchurch for commercial projects to manage the adverse effects of light spill and glare. 

This initiative aims to help endangered wildlife, such as white-flippered penguins and Hector’s dolphins, which are vulnerable to artificial light. 

According to Vanessa, this will also help people’s health, through better sleep and improved wellbeing. 

After public meetings in Akaroa and Little River in March, Vanessa sent out a survey asking for public feedback about getting part of Banks Peninsula registered as a Dark Sky Reserve. 

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far, and we are now working with International Dark Sky to become an accredited Dark Sky Reserve,” she says. 

Once accredited, Vanessa will be able to apply for additional infrastructure funding in Banks Peninsula through the tourism levy. 

“This project is about ensuring generations to come can enjoy Banks Peninsula as the magical place it always has been.” 

Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula. Funded by Parliamentary Service. Authorised by V. Weenink, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn. For more information, visit fb.com/vanessaweeninkbankspeninsula.