Dark Sky-friendly lighting: what you need to know

There’s a growing awareness in New Zealand’s design and architectural communities: artificial lighting, while essential, comes with unintended consequences. Whether it’s the glare from streetlights or overspill from backyard LEDs, light pollution is increasingly in focus — and with it, the movement toward Dark Sky-compliant lighting.

“The aim with Dark Sky-compliant lighting is to reduce the glare from lighting to both enhance the night sky and lessen the effect of artificial light on bird and other animal life,” says Mark McCluskey from Bardsleys Lighting, experts in creating lighting solutions for both indoor and outdoor spaces. “It’s about being intentional with how and where we use light—not eliminating it.”

What is Dark Sky-compliant lighting?

Dark Sky-compliant lighting refers to exterior lighting that is designed to limit light pollution. This typically involves fixtures that direct light downward, reduce glare, and use warmer colour temperatures to minimise disruption to people and wildlife. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has set out clear guidelines, which many councils and architects are now adopting as best practice.

In New Zealand, this is especially relevant. New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most pristine skies, and several regions — including Great Barrier, Aoraki/Mackenzie, Wairarapa, Glenorchy, and recently Kaikōura — have gained International Dark Sky status. But even outside of protected zones, there’s increasing pressure to design lighting that’s smarter and more sustainable.

“More clients are asking about it — homeowners, architects, even developers,” McCluskey says. “It’s becoming part of the design brief, not an afterthought.”

Why does it matter?

While most people associate light pollution with lost views of the stars, the real impact runs deeper. Artificial light can confuse nocturnal wildlife, interfere with bird migration, and impact insect populations. Human circadian rhythms can also be disrupted by overexposure to blue-rich or overly bright lighting.

The solution isn’t to do away with outdoor lighting — it’s to use it more deliberately.

“We recommend fixtures with full shielding and a colour temperature of 3000K or lower,” McCluskey explains. “These limit skyglow while still providing the safety and aesthetics people expect. It’s not a compromise — it’s just better design.”

What to look for

If you’re considering a Dark Sky-compliant approach, there are a few key principles to keep in mind:

• Directionality: Choose fittings that direct light downward and minimise upward or horizontal spill.
  
• Colour Temperature: Opt for warmer LEDs — ideally 2700K to 3000K — to reduce blue light, which is more disruptive to wildlife.
  
• Lumen Control: Use only as much light as necessary. Over-illumination is a common mistake.
  
• Smart Controls: Motion sensors and timers reduce unnecessary run time and save energy.

Bardsleys Lighting offers a curated range of outdoor lighting that aligns with these principles. Products like the Nuvi deck sconces and Hardy Island spotlights are designed with shielding, beam control, and warm colour options built-in.

“Many of our clients want something that looks architectural but still meets Dark Sky recommendations,” McCluskey says. “That’s where we come in — helping them strike the balance between performance, compliance and design.”

The design case

Beyond the environmental and regulatory benefits, Dark Sky-compliant lighting often results in better-looking spaces. Rather than blanket-lighting a garden or facade, lighting becomes about focus: guiding paths, highlighting texture, and drawing the eye with intention.

The shift toward low-level and indirect lighting is already visible in many high-end residential and hospitality projects. And with the added appeal of energy efficiency and wildlife protection, it’s a shift likely to accelerate.

“It’s good design,” says McCluskey. “You don’t lose functionality — you just gain atmosphere, sustainability, and a sense of restraint.”

Integrating Dark Sky-friendly lighting into your project

Whether you're building new, renovating, or retrofitting, there are accessible ways to embrace Dark Sky-friendly lighting. In some areas, it’s becoming a planning requirement — but even where it's not, it's quickly becoming a mark of thoughtful, future-conscious design.

For those unsure where to begin, McCluskey suggests speaking with lighting professionals early in the design process. “Lighting should never be an afterthought. With the right fittings and a bit of foresight, it can do a lot more than just light the way.”

Interested in Dark Sky-compliant lighting solutions?  Explore Bardsleys Lighting’s full range or speak to their team about lighting for your next project.