Carter... Inspiring our Community

Our vision here at Carter Observatory is that:

"Carter Observatory will use the science, heritage and culture of the Southern skies to excite, engage and inspire"

Carter Observatory has an ongoing committment to inspiring our local community. 

Not only do we wish to inspire every visitor to take the time to look up, and to appreciate the treasure (taonga) that is above us; but we also hope that visitors gain a new perspective on their own place in space. 

We reckon that when you appreciate the vastness of outer space, you may also gain a new appreciation for just how small our own planet is, and how precious we are to eachother.

The team here at Carter express this in a number of ways.  Here are a few recent examples of Carter gives Back:

Carter Gives Back

Carter Observatory has hosted several very special groups in recent times including:

•  On 14 Dec 2010, Carter staff gave up their time to host staff, patients, caregivers, volunteers and their families from the Cancer Society, to a Christmas Under the Stars evening.  Our suppliers supported this event by providing free ice-cream, presents, food and hire equipment.

Since opening in March 2010, we have given free admissions to some very special schools including:

• Runanga School, West coast school post the Pike River Mine disaster in a visit arranged by the Ministry of Education.  Carter staff gave their own time to provide a special show and tour for this school in December , 2010.

• A group of kids from Redcliffs School, Christchurch, visited Carter in May 2011, in a visit arranged by Brooklyn School Year 8 pupils post the Canterbury earthquake.

• In December, 2011, Carter extending complimentary entry to a group from Challenge 2000.  This community based organisation volunteers in schools with a variety of initiatives that take a holistic approach to students development.

Astronomical Societies 

Many of our staff are active members of local astronomy societies.  These groups are really important to Carter Observatory, particularly as visitors leave with a keen interest to learn more about the skies above them.

Our staff give of their own time to these organisations, often involving many hours a week.  Some of these organisations also use our facilities here at carter for their own meetings, and in exchange help out with events and telescope viewings as we need.

If you're interested in learning more about these organisations check out the options here.

Fundraising for Schools and Community Groups  

Throughout the year we've been approached for support for fund raising events. We're keen to help where we can contribute to inspiring young minds (and some older ones too)!

We've donated $000's worth of free family passes and tickets to visit Carter Observatory since reopening.  These have been used by over 70 groups, schools and organisations including the following:

• the Wellington Childrens Hospital
• 2010 Monster Charity Auction
• Cure Kids Quiz Night
• Harbour City Gym Sports
• Outgames 2011 fundraiser
• The Capital E Woodland Christmas Event

... and including many school fundraising prizes and promotions around the Wellington region.

Victoria University of Wellington

It's important to us that we contribute back to our tourism community as well.  We have representation on the Tourism Faculty Advisory Board and find this relationship to be mutually beneficial as we seek to contribute to the ongoing education of our important tourism sector.

We have given lectures to year one and year two students on various topics relating to tourism and as a recently reopened visitor attraction we offer a great case study as we develop our tourism potential and offering to Wellington.

We host tourism students on various practicoms, where they spend time working here at Carter and putting various aspects of the "theory" into practice. 

If you are a community group seeking to bring some inspiration into the lives of the people and community you serve, and you think we can help you to do that - please contact the Marketing & Communications Manager by calling 04 910 3140 or email dawn.muir@wmt.org.nz for more information.

Meantime, we encourage YOU to take some time to look up!

Nga mihi

Team Carter