Thousands of people turned out to watch Vector Lights bring Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge to life in a world-first solar, battery and peer-to-peer powered light show last night.
The six-minute specially-composed Vector Lights opening show sequence wowed local residents watching and listening from different vantage points throughout the city.
The spectacular light show was designed by Auckland production/animation company Assembly, in collaboration with creative agency Colenso BBDO, and featured original music composed by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper. The cutting-edge installation was created by internationally-acclaimed Mandy Lights, vividly demonstrating the new lighting capabilities and a smarter way to power Auckland.
Light show continues
A completely different sound and light show has been created to mark Waitangi weekend. From 2-6 Feb, the Vector Lights show for Waitangi will start at 9pm and play every hour until midnight.
Tune in to the synced music at vector.co.nz/lights
Switching on
The winners of the ‘Design the Future’ school competition were given the honour to ‘flick the switch’ on the bridge to kick off the launch of Vector Lights at a special event at Little Shoal Bay, Northcote. The celebrations also included Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Mayor Phil Goff, Dr Michelle Dickinson (Nanogirl) and other local and central government representatives, as well as senior leaders from Vector.
Mayor Goff said, “Lighting up Auckland’s iconic harbour bridge in such a creative and exciting way adds new vibrancy and excitement to our city.
“Vector Lights has given us another platform from which to celebrate and the use of solar power reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions.”
Special effects
The audio-visual performance is made up of three chapters – the first references Tama-Nui te Ra (the sun), the original source of energy, and the second Hikohiko (electrical energy) representing it as energy and technology, and the final Hei te Ao Marama (the future world of light) as an acknowledgement to the diversity and culture in Auckland.
Vector Lights uses ground-breaking renewable energy technology – stored through 630 solar panels – to light the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Each of the 90,000 LEDs added to the bridge can be individually programmed, allowing for an almost infinite array of designs and effects.
The eight-lane, 58-year-old motorway bridge will be used to further enhance and celebrate Auckland’s major events and becoming an attraction for local residents and visitors.
Vector Lights is part of a smart energy partnership between New Zealand-based energy company Vector and Auckland Council, in collaboration with the NZ Transport Agency.
