This coming Auckland Anniversary Weekend, on Saturday 27 January, Auckland Harbour Bridge will be transformed by the launch of Vector Lights.
It features a ground-breaking renewable energy technology powered light show that will ignite imaginations and demonstrate a smarter way to power our city.
The launch event
The six minute specially-composed Vector Lights opening show sequence will feature original music and spectacular lighting effects, vividly demonstrating the new lighting capabilities.
The show will start at 9pm and repeat every half hour until midnight, with an ambient light display in-between. Find out more information, event details and watch the online stream of the entire opening show at vector.co.nz/lights.
Vector Lights will be programmed for special events throughout the year and subtly frame the architecture of the Harbour Bridge on every other night.
The light show is being designed and created by Auckland production/animation company Assembly, in collaboration with creative agency Colenso BBDO, and will be switched on by the winners of our Design The Future competition.
The show references Tama-Nui te Rā (the sun), Hikohiko (electrical energy), and Hei te Ao Mārama (the future world of light), and weaves visuals with original sound and music.
Find a great vantage point to watch, and BYO radio or smartphone to hear the synched music and sound that accompanies the amazing visual display.
Share your view of Vector Lights on social media via #vectorlights
10-year smart energy partnership
Vector Lights is part of a wider 10-year smart energy partnership between Vector and Auckland Council, with the Vector Lights project being delivered in collaboration with the NZ Transport Agency.
Mayor Phil Goff is looking forward to the launch, and says, “Lighting up the Harbour Bridge in a creative and exciting way will enhance its iconic nature.
“Using solar power to generate the energy required highlights our commitment to sustainable energy and tackling climate change. With the generosity of Vector in meeting most of the cost, we are making our city a more interesting and vibrant place,” says Mayor Goff.
Vector’s CEO Simon Mackenzie says the light show will reflect Auckland’s position as a future-thinking city. He says, "As a business that is owned by Aucklanders we also feel the responsibility to contribute to our city’s shared future.
“Vector Lights will be an evolving showcase of new energy solutions that help illustrate what a more sustainable energy future can look like and will contribute to Auckland’s allure as a destination and a modern, future-focused community."
Having a permanent lighting display on the Auckland Harbour Bridge is a first for the NZ Transport Agency, which manages the bridge infrastructure.
Chief Executive Fergus Gammie says; “The Auckland Harbour Bridge has been an iconic part of Auckland’s landscape for many decades and we are delighted that it will now be a showcase for future sustainable energy solutions.”
How it works
Vector Lights uses a ground-breaking renewable energy technology to deliver stored energy to Auckland Harbour Bridge.
- Combination of solar, battery and peer-to-peer capabilities to virtualise the connection between battery and the Bridge and improve supply resiliency
- Energy generated by 248 solar panels on North Wharf will be stored in a Tesla Powerpack battery farm the size of a shipping container at Wynyard Quarter.
- Smart meters at the battery and on the bridge will relay data every 10 seconds to ensure a constant balance of energy.
- Each of the 90,000 LEDs making up Vector Lights can be individually programmed, allowing for an almost infinite array of designs and effects.