The community of Kingston will be the first to benefit from the installation of a new environmentally friendly form of street lighting, Queenstown Lakes District Council director of parks Paul Wilson said.

"We will start with installing the new lights in Kingston early next month and from there we will be installing them across the district. My understanding is that we will be the first district in New Zealand to do so," Mr Wilson said.

The new lights used less energy to generate more light and were designed to eliminate sky glow.

"We estimate an energy saving across the district of $1000 a month but the real benefit is the improved light control. The lights are designed to send the light downwards therefore giving a heightened visibility of the stars and less environmental intrusion," Mr Wilson said.

During the daytime the street lights would look no different than at present but at nightfall the difference would be distinctive.

The council would take ownership of all street lights, 25 percent of which are currently leased to Delta. Existing lights would be replaced and additional lights would be installed.

"The timing is perfect because the majority of street lights have reached the end of their life and were due for replacement. We will spend $1 million on implementing the new street light regime across the district over the next three years," Mr Wilson said.

The council had been investigating the street light issue for some time.

"Internationally this form of lighting is becoming best practice but it has yet to catch on in New Zealand. It's the best possible system for this district with its alpine and scenic setting and environmentally it is a significant positive step," Mr Wilson said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Paul Wilson 03 441 0499.

By: Kiri