Rated as the third most liveable city in the world, Auckland holds important lessons for many cities around the world. A thriving multi-cultural hub of cuisine, music, art and culture (not unlike Singapore), it now also wants the world to know it is ready for a future with renewable energy. The city celebrates New Zealand’s national day by transforming the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge with solar-powered Vector Lights.

Waitangi Day, as it is known locally, celebrates the signing of the founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, on 6 February 1840. To mark the occasion, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which spans 1,020 metres long, was put on an audio-visual display of stunning Māori imagery and sounds throughout this past weekend.

Vector, the company that installed the lights, collaborated with Auckland Council and the Ngati Manuhiri, an Auckland iwi (tribe), to bring to life their unique korero (story) that connects their people to Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. Hence forth every year, a different Auckland tribe (there are 19) will work with the group to tell their own story during Waitangi Day celebrations.

The spectacular show uses ground-breaking renewable energy technology – stored through 630 solar panels – to light the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Vector’s CEO Simon Mackenzie says Vector Lights reflects Auckland’s position as a future-thinking city. “Vector Lights will be an evolving showcase of new energy solutions that help illustrate what a more sustainable energy future can look like. It not only showcases what is possible from an energy perspective, but also contributes to Auckland’s allure as a destination and a modern, future-focused community,” he said.

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.

The lights, a permanent addition to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, were first unveiled on 27 January as part of Auckland Anniversary weekend. Auckland’s Mayor Phil Goff who joined the crowds during the festivities said, “This has given us a platform to celebrate our diversity and a very visible statement to the world about our commitment to sustainability.”

Click here to catch a glimpse of Auckland Harbour Bridge light show, or plan a holiday in Auckland to watch it live.