Speakers
2024 Conference Keynote Speakers
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stephen-Chadwick.png)
Stephen Chadwick
Lecturer in astronomy and philosophy at Massey University, including teaching theoretical and practical astrophotography
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Johan-Eklof-1.jpg)
Johan Eklöf
Ecologist, expert on effect of light pollution on bats, author of the Darkness Manifesto, Ulricehamm (nr Gothenburg), Sweden
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bridgette-Farnworth-1-300x300.jpg)
Bridgette Farnworth
PhD in Behavioural Ecology & Conservation Biology from the University of Waikato
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Galat.jpg)
Joan Marie Galat
Children’s author, including Dark Matters—Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Gander.jpg)
Philippa Gander
Emeritus Professor of Chronobiology, expert on sleep and circadian rhythm, Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Ruskin.jpg)
Ruskin Hartley
International Dark Sky Association, Tucson Arizona, USA
![Annika Jägerbrand Annika Jägerbrand](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Annika-Jagerbrand-ql1kxlz4a2wrls2h1u2orloco716xmgi7engdnql54.jpg)
Dr Annika Jägerbrand (SE)
Chair, CIE Technical committee 4-61 “Artificial Lighting and its Impact on the Natural Environment”
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Susan-Mander.jpg)
Susan Mander
measuring light pollution,
Massey University,
Palmerston North, NZ
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Carol-Redford-1.jpg)
Carol Redford
Founder of Astrotourism WA, leading advocate for astrotourism and dark skies in Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Connie-Walker.jpg)
Connie Walker
Astronomer, advocate for dark skies with the IAU, co-director of Center for Protection of Dark Skies (CPS), Tucson, AZ, USA
![](https://starlightconference.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Yana.jpg)
Yana Yakushina
Lawyer and expert on legislation for light pollution control, Ghent, Belgium
2019 Conference Contributing Speakers
- Karen Arthur, Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Government, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Paul Bogard, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
- Ralph Bradley, Wai-iti Nelson
- Alistair Brickell, Stargazers B&B and Astronomy Tours, Whitianga, Coromandel, NZ
- Steve Butler, RASNZ Dark Skies Group, Invercargill
- Sean Cain, Associate Professor of Sleep and Circadian Medicine, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
- Victoria Campbell, University of Otago, Ngai Tahu Kotai Mano Kaika
- Mike Chapman, Sydney Outdoor Lighting Improvement Society (SOLIS), Sydney, Australia
- Ricky Clarkson, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wainuiomata-Orongorongo Dark-sky Project
- Hinerangi Curtis, University of Canterbury senior astronomy student
- Jeff Dalley, Department of Conservation, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Adam Dalton, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager, IDA, Tucson Arizona, USA
- Nalayini and Gareth Davies, Auckland NZ (Nalayini Davies, ASTRONZ and Auckland Astronomical Society)
- The Hon Jacqui Dean, National MP for the Waitaki
- Robert Dick, CEO at the Canadian Lighting Company, Ontario, Canada
- Alicia Dimovski, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Fabio Falchi, Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia dell’Inquinamento Luminoso (Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute), 36016 Thiene, Italy
- Mike Geddis, EnergyLight, Christchurch
- Alan Gilmore and Pam Kilmartin, Mt John Observatory, University of Canterbury
- Al and Patricia (Annie) Grauer, Cosmic Campground, New Mexico, USA
- Charlotte Harley, Elan Valley Trust, Powys, Wales
- Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of the International Dark Sky Association, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Professor John Hearnshaw, Chair of Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve Board
- Gareth Hughes, Member of Parliament and Green Party Tourism Spokesperson
- Chris Kyba, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
- Phil Langill, Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (with Suzanne Oel (Foothills County), Greg Shyba (ASCCA) & Roland Dechesne (RASC)
- Lei Ping, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Fund (CBCGDF), Shenzen, Guangdong Province, China
- Liu Hao, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Fund (CBCGDF), Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, China
- Damien McNamara, North Otago Astronomical Society, Oamaru, NZ
- Professor Rudi Marquez, Head of School of Physical and Chemical
Sciences, University of Canterbury - Megan Miller, Mackenzie Region Trade & Media Marketing Executive, Christchurch, NZ and Jason Menard, Mackenzie Region Digital Marketing Executive, Christchurch, NZ
- Lara and David Mitchell, Lumican, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Marnie Ogg, Sydney, Australia – Australasian Dark Sky Alliance
- Hendra Agus Prastyo, Bosscha Observatory, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
- Premana Premadi, Bosscha Observatory, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
- Ken Ross, Far North District Council, Kaikohe, NZ
- Clive Ruggles, University of Leicester, UK
- Karen Pollard, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Director Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo
- Clare Quirke, Selwyn District Council, Canterbury, NZ
- Pedro Sanhueza, Office for the Protection of the Night Sky of Northern Chile (OPCC) (with Guillermo Damke, Universidad de La Serena/AURA Inc. Chile, Rodolfo Angeloni, Universidad de La Serena, Chile, Miguel Martínez, OPCC, Chile Hugo Rojas, OPCC, Chile)
- Ramotholo Sefako, South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
- Mayor Graham Smith, Mackenzie District
- Richard Somerville-Ryan, Great Barrier Island – Aotea, Auckland
- Duncan Steel, Xerra Earth Observation Institute, Alexandra, Central Otago, NZ
- Babak Tafreshi, founder of The World at Night Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Karen Trevino, US National Park Service, Denver, CO, USA
- Alexander Tups, Department of Physiology, Centre of Neuroendocrinology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Antonia Varela Perez, Director of the Starlight Foundation, Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain
- Richard Wainscoat, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Junichi Watanabe, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
- David Welch, Chair of the IUCN Dark Skies Advisory Group, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Kim Wesney, Waiheke Island
- Jill Wolff, Naseby Vision, Naseby, Central Otago, NZ
- Kyra Xavia, Dunedin
- Amie Young, Tourism Product Development Advisor, Great South
- Dwi Yoshafetri Yuna, Bosscha Observatory, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia