Vector Lights for Matariki Festival

The rising of the Matariki star cluster heralds the beginning of the Māori new year. It is during this time that people acknowledge those that have passed on, spend time with their families and prepare for the year ahead.

This year for Matariki Festival we enjoy a story of the host iwi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and their migration to Tāmaki Makaurau. The lightshow for 2021 portrays the pepeha (tribal lineage) origins of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, who came from beyond Nukuroa (Aotearoa) in Wairotī and Wairotā. Under the primary command of Rongoma, the waka hourua (double hulled canoe) Māhuhu-ki-te-Rangi travelled from the islands and made landfall in Aotearoa. This creative lighting display helps to inform us of the rich history of our host iwi for 2021.

The show runs for 5 minutes and plays every half hour from 6pm until midnight.

Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge is part of a smart energy partnership between Vector and Auckland Council.

Visit www.matarikifestival.org.nz to see the full programme of events for Matariki Festival 2021.