Thanks you David! I appreciate your efforts in chatting with Mr Gray.
Yes there is a lot of work rebuilding the area and it will take a number of years yet. I had always seen it as a long term plan. The icing on the finished town cake so to speak. At least a seed of an idea has been planted. Astronomy viewing and photography seems to be a winter thing, due to where the Milky Way is positioned, constellations available at that time and the longer viewing nights of winter. (The others can correct me if I am wrong :).) From my perspective the Dark Sky aspect is not just about stargazing, but as they are doing it for the Shearwaters, and if they truly are installing 3000K LED’s, that is another step in that direction.
I confirmed with Larry that he owns the dome on Austin Street and I have an open invitation to pop in and see him next I am up there, on the days he too is there.
Kyra, the New Zealand representative of IDA, and I are trying to organise a Skype call and so I can pass this on and see what she has to say. Thanks again for planting the seed.
Trace