Carter Observatory reaches 100,000 visitors

2 May 2012

Carter reaches 100,000 visitors

Carter Observatory is delighted to have welcomed over 100,000 visitors since March 2010. This is a major milestone for Carter, and a great reward for the hard work done since it reopened after an extensive refurbishment.

“It’s a fantastic that 100,000 visitors have come through our doors and enjoyed our unique Carter experience, and testament to the wonderful local following we’ve worked hard to build up,“ says Director, Dr Sarah Rusholme, “Carter Observatory has long been a Wellington icon. Thanks to our partners, especially Wellington City Council, Pelorus Trust and New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, Carter has been able to re-connect with visitors from around the world. Space has universal appeal, and the Carter experience gets people thinking about the fragility of our planet, and the possibilities of human exploration of space.”

Carter has long been an education facility. Curriculum-based learning programmes sit alongside events for families and budding astronomers to raise the profile of astronomy in New Zealand. “Carter’s education efforts aren’t just for school children. We aim, through our public programmes and events, to make space accessible for anyone and everyone”, she says.

“We’ve had several space “events” including The Aurora Australis, meteor sightings and the up coming Transit of Venus that have allowed people to engage with our team, particularly in the social media arena, and to learn more about our Universe”, says Sarah. “Our Facebook page is buzzing when these events occur and it’s pleasing to see that we’ve become the place for space through these amazing displays”.

The Carter Observatory team has worked tirelessly to build a local following, making good use of its local connections and with the aid of social media and now boasts over 800 members in its Star Pass loyalty programme. There’s plenty of events coming up to keep them inspired too! The historic Transit of Venus (6 June), our Matariki programme (14 June to 15 July) and the solar eclipse on 14 November is sure to bring more awe and inspiration to people’s lives.

Key statistics during the period:

• Carter Observatory re-opened on 27 March 2010 after a $4.2m refurbishment into a visitor centre and education hub.
• Welcomed more than 15,000 students and their teachers
• Hosted 150 corporate functions with more than 3,000 corporate guests
• Greeted 1,467 tourism trade during the period
• Hosted more than 130 international and domestic media
• Grown our Star Pass membership programme to 810+ members
• Carter received its first Qualmark assessment just four months after opening in August 2010, expanding to its most recent Bronze Enviro Award
• Working with nearly 20 inbound tour operators and offshore wholesalers to develop our international visitor market offering

www.carterobservatory.org

ENDS

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