Vector Lights for Auckland Pride Festival 2025

Auckland Harbour Bridge

20-28 Feb 2025

This year, takatāpui and rainbow storytelling will come to life in a dynamic light show by artist Alex Watene (Nga Puhi, Ngati Whatua, Te Arawa a Tuhoe), in collaboration with Mandylights, and will be the feature of Vector Lights for Auckland Pride Festival 2025. Vector Lights on the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge is part of a smart energy partnership between Vector, Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Powered by a mix of clean energy technology, the lighting display gives Aucklanders a focal point for celebration and recognition.

The lighting event will be programmed from Thursday 20 February to Friday 28 February 2025.

The dynamic light show will play every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight. The last show playing at midnight.

Vector will livestream the first show at www.facebook.com/vectornz. The video will be archived on their Facebook page and at www.vector.co.nz/lights.

On Friday 28 February, a morning rave by Morning People will be activated with the light show at Hobsons Wharf.

Alex Watene is a Takatāpui artist and a master’s student at Unitec in Tāmaki Makaurau. His thesis research explores the intersection of whakapapa and identity through installation art, addressing themes of sexuality, identity, colonialism, kaupapa Māori, and te ao Māori. Through his work, Alex aims to foster deeper connections between these contexts and contemporary Māori art practices.

As an installation artist, Alex is drawn to large-scale public works that allow for bold, visual storytelling. Colour is a central element of his style, reflecting his vibrant and flamboyant personality. Over the years, Alex has experimented with a variety of materials, including wool, foil, straws, and boxes. In his master’s journey, he has discovered the power of integrating identity with traditional Māori art forms, bringing greater meaning and kaupapa to his artistic practice.