About Matamata Astronomy Club
Founded in 2026.
Founded in 2026.
Heading for the moon even if its via the stars
After pointing telescopes skyward since back in his days of single digits, Arthur Clarke recently relocated to Matamata and is ready to gently convince the rest of us to look up more often.
Arthur, who founded the Franklin District Astronomers Club around three decades ago, is quick to point out he’s no rocket scientist, just someone who’s been obsessed with the night sky for as long as he can remember. “I’ve always loved it,” he says. “Back when Skylab came across the sky or there were any particularly interesting events like a blood moon for example, I was out there watching, and, if I am honest, even the craters on the moon still fascinate me as much as ever.”
After recently selling their property in Pukekohe, Arthur and his wife Julie found themselves in that classic life situation with everything packed, but nowhere specific to go! “We didn’t really have a fixed plan,” Arthur laughs. “We just knew we needed one – and pretty smartly.”
So they did what many do and cast the net wide. Matamata, Cambridge and Taupō were all contenders but, but in the end, Matamata ticked the boxes. “It’s so central to everything,” Arthur says, “and Julie loved the house we had looked at, so here we are!”
Now settled, Arthur’s gaze has drifted back upward and he’s keen to test the waters to start a new local astronomy group - nothing too formal, and no lab coats required! Just a gathering of like-minded stargazers who don’t mind the occasional late night and the very real possibility of cloud ruining everything.
The idea is monthly meet-ups (weather dependent), possibly some guest speakers, a bit of shared knowledge, and plenty of “is that a planet or just a really bright plane?” discussion. “You don’t even necessarily need your own telescope,” says Arthur. “Half the fun is just looking up, but anyone with one they would be prepared to set up and share would be awesome of course.”
While it’s very early days, Arthur is keen to gauge interest before committing to anything too structured. But, if the stars align and Matamata locals are curious enough, there could soon be a new club bringing people together under the same night sky. If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually going on up there and keen to explore an interest further, you are encouraged to register initial interest by emailing him at astromatamata@gmail.com.
Caron Stewart, writing for The Scene, Issue 663 Mar 24, 2026
Photo at top of page: NGC 6334, photographed by Liv McCormack 2026-07-01