Key Takeaways
- Viv Napier, a former South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) mayor, has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her decades of civic service to the community.
- Napier’s contributions to the region include championing the establishment of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, volunteering with Plunket, serving on the Wairarapa DHB, and chairing the Wairarapa Dark Sky association.
- The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve is one of only 21 international Dark Sky Reserves worldwide, making it a top-tier destination for astro-tourism.
- Napier’s work on the Dark Sky Reserve project involved a massive effort, including an inventory of all public lights in the district and taking readings with a light meter.
- Her contributions to the community have been recognized with several awards, including the Business Wairarapa Tribute Award and the Bright Star Award from the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.
Introduction to Viv Napier’s Lifetime of Service
Viv Napier, a former Wairarapa mayor, has been recognized for her decades of civic service to the community in this year’s New Year honors. She has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a prestigious award that acknowledges her substantial contribution to the region and its organizations. Napier’s reaction to the news was one of surprise and excitement, saying she "couldn’t believe it" and had to double-check the email to make sure she had read it correctly.
Championing the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
One of Napier’s most notable contributions to the region is her work on establishing the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. She started working on the project over eight years ago, when she was mayor, and has since led the effort to achieve international recognition for the reserve. The process of accreditation was massive, involving an inventory of all public lights in the district and taking readings with a light meter. Napier recalls that it took months and months to complete, with only a small team of four or five people working on the project. Despite the challenges, the team’s efforts paid off, and Wairarapa is now one of only 21 international Dark Sky Reserves worldwide.
A Lifetime of Volunteer Work and Community Service
Napier’s contributions to the community go far beyond her work on the Dark Sky Reserve. She has volunteered with a wide range of organizations, including Plunket, where she served as vice-president and president of the Wairarapa branch between 2007 and 2016. She has also served on the national Plunket board and has been an active member of the Wairarapa district health board for four terms. Additionally, she has chaired the Waiohine river floodplain advisory committee, spearheading a groundbreaking flood management strategy that has protected hundreds of homes, businesses, and farms from future climate risks.
Recognition and Awards
Napier’s contributions to the community have been recognized with several awards. In 2023, she won the Business Wairarapa Tribute Award and the Bright Star Award from the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. These awards acknowledge her dedication and hard work in promoting the region and its organizations. Her recognition as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit is a testament to her lifetime of service to the community and her commitment to making a positive impact on the region.
The Impact of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
The establishment of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve has had a significant impact on the region, making it a top-tier destination for astro-tourism. The reserve’s international recognition has helped to establish the region as a premier location for stargazing, wine, and food. Lonely Planet has named the North Island, which includes Wairarapa, as one of the top 25 best places to visit in the world next year. This recognition is expected to bring in more tourists and boost the local economy, providing a positive impact on the community.
Conclusion
Viv Napier’s lifetime of civic service to the community has been recognized and celebrated in this year’s New Year honors. Her contributions to the region, including her work on the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, have made a significant impact on the community and have helped to establish the region as a top-tier destination for astro-tourism. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with several awards, and she continues to be an inspiration to others in the community. As she looks back on her decades of service, Napier can be proud of the positive impact she has made on the region and its people.