Dr. Nat Primak

An explorer who “boldly goes where no man has gone before¹“, a navigator who creates routes for others, and a researcher who thrives on investigating mysteries.

I studied Astrophysics, Physics, and Mathematics at Kyiv National University where I gained comprehensive and deep knowledge in these fields. I have worked in various institutions and observatories around the world (Ukraine, Germany, Chile, Greece, and Hawaii). 

After about sixteen years of working in optical/Near-Infrared astronomy I changed my path by upgrading my degree and learning new skills in Radio astronomy. I completed my PhD at Auckland University of Technology and observed with radio telescopes in  New Zealand, and as a remote observer in Australia.

Together with being passionate about astronomy and research, I am passionate about our environment and the outdoors. During days-off, one can find me either in the wild planting trees/doing pest control, or tramping beaten and unbeaten tracks, or at the beach.

 Kim Wesney

Long time passionate stargazer since childhood, I moved to Waiheke because of it’s beautiful dark skies. I love to share the beauty of the night sky and the natural world of terrestrial ‘night life’, when the night dwellers come out to play, and am also a dedicated Dark Sky advocate.

Having traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and overseas, landscapes and the natural environment often feature in my artwork. I have lived on Waiheke for over 30 years, enjoy exploring the wide range of natural environments that exist on the island and have a great interest in conservation and ecological sustainability.