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A new permanent public artwork on the Mahurangi River has cost the cash-strapped Auckland Council $518,034.
The light installation was funded from council’s Public Art Regional budget and will be officially turned on during the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights on July 15.
It will illuminate a stand of totara opposite the town wharf and will run for three hours a night during winter and two hours during summer.
It uses 35 programmable LED lights and eight speakers to tell the story of Mahurangi through the eyes of manu whenua Ngāti Manuhiri. The artist was Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi and Te Aupōuri).
The new artwork is the first to be delivered in the Rodney region under the Auckland Council public artwork programme.
Council’s public art manager Hayley Wolters says it is expected to be in place for 10 years.
“The project outcomes for this artwork aligns with our regional programme, which includes celebrating Te Ao Māori, supporting arts and culture, stimulating community activity and contributing to a vibrant and economically strong town centre.”
The artwork was installed by Davco Electrical and the ongoing costs will be funded from council’s Public Art Regional budget.
