For details on the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights events

Press Release from Murray Chapman for the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights Artwork Launch

Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights launches a new public artwork for Warkworth.

This year the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights opening night will be extra special. The Saturday 15th July event will combine the exciting lighting and family friendly activities the festival is renowned for with the launch of a new, permanent public artwork by Ngāti Manuhiri artist Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi and Te Aupōuri)

The Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights and Auckland Council Public Art Team have been working together since 2019 to develop a large-scale artwork in the Warkworth Wharf area. The site is a popular daytime attraction and was chosen as an opportunity to activate Warkworth for businesses and the community for up to 3 hours each night.

Located in a thin strip of native bush (ngahere) opposite the town wharf, the artwork uses 35 programmable led lights and 8 speakers to express the genesis story of Mahurangi and the enduring presence of Ngāti Manuhiri, mana whenua of Mahurangi.

The new artwork is the first to be delivered in the Rodney region under the Auckland Council public artwork programme, which creates public art across the Auckland Region.

The permanent, lighting artwork along the river is being installed by Davco Electrical, a well-known Warkworth business with legacy support from the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights.

This year, the festival will run between 11am and 9pm on Sat 15^th July and will include food trucks, live music, rides and amusements for the whole family. One of the highlights of the event is the annual Parade of Lights which will start at 6pm, beginning from the Paperplus carpark, travelling along Queen St, and down through the wharf area. At the parade’s conclusion the first public activation of the amazing new artwork will take place along the river.

Q&A

What is the artwork?

 A large-scale light and sound-based artwork telling the story of Mahurangi through the eyes of mana whenua (Ngāti Manuhiri).

Where is it located?

Wharf St, Warkworth, best viewed from the boardwalk/ wharf.

When can I see it?

At the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights, 15 July and from sunset every night afterwards (playing 3hrs winter and 2 hrs summer).

Who is the artist?

Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi & Te Aupōuri).

How is the project funded?

The artwork was funded from Auckland Council Public Art Regional budget.

Any further questions contact the organisers: [email protected]

https://www.mahulightfestival.nz/