Takapuna Winter Lights

Published by Auckland Newsroom on

Last Updated on July 27, 2024

Takapuna Light Show: A Luminous Art Extravaganza

As the winter chill sets in, the seaside suburb of Takapuna prepares to cast off the darkness with a spectacular display of light and creativity. The Takapuna Winter Lights festival, a highlight of the local calendar, is set to return transforming the heart of this Auckland community into a canvas of luminous artistry.

Each night Waiwharariki Anzac Square, the central hub of Takapuna, will come alive with installations that weave light, sound, and movement into an immersive experience. This festival is not just a display; it’s an interactive sensory journey that invites attendees to become part of the art itself. Families are encouraged to light up with glow sticks, LED accessories, or even wearable tech, adding to the collective glow of the event.

The Takapuna Light Show is fully accessible, welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities to explore the illuminated wonders. In line with its environmental ethos, the festival has set ambitious waste management goals, with a significant percentage of waste being diverted from landfills in previous years.

Location – Waiwharariki Anzac Square

Waiwharariki Anzac Square is a vibrant civic space that lies at the heart of Takapuna, Auckland. It’s a place that has been thoughtfully designed to foster community engagement and celebrate the local culture. The square’s design incorporates the story of Takapuna, with lighting features created by toi whenua artists Wyvern Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri) & Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi and Te Aupōuri), embedding the local narrative into the very structure of the space.

A Sustainable Oasis for Community Gatherings

The square serves as a central gathering place for the community, hosting markets, festivals, and various events throughout the year. It’s a place where people can meet, sit, relax, and play. More than that, Waiwharariki Anzac Square has been developed with sustainability in mind. It features filters to treat stormwater runoff, sustainable timber, and low-carbon concrete, ensuring a green future for the public space.

Unlock Takapuna: A Green Star Community Revival

The square is part of the Unlock Takapuna programme, which aims to revitalize the town center, improve public spaces, and support urban living and public transport options. This initiative has earned a Green Star – Communities rating for exceptional master planning. Surrounding the town square, future development plans include a mix of shops, businesses, and homes, contributing to the urban regeneration of Takapuna.

Takapuna Winter Lights at Waiwharaiki Anzac Square
Image: mcconnelldowell.com

Smoke-free and Alcohol-free

The Takapuna Winter Lights festival has specific policies regarding smoking and alcohol consumption to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The public areas in Takapuna, including the festival grounds, are alcohol-free zones. If visitors wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages, they are encouraged to do so responsibly within the many bars or restaurants in the area.

The Takapuna Light Show is also designated as a smoke-free event. Attendees who wish to smoke are requested to do so away from the crowds to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone. These policies are part of the festival’s commitment to creating a family-friendly atmosphere where art and community are the focus. By adhering to these guidelines, the festival promotes a sense of inclusivity and respect for all participants.

Takapuna Winter Lights 2024: Dates and Times

The Takapuna Winter Lights festival for 2024 is scheduled to take place from Thursday, July 25th to Sunday, July 28th. The event will be open each evening from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, offering visitors a magical experience under the winter sky. The program promises to be a dazzling celebration, illuminating the heart of Takapuna with a blend of art, technology, and community spirit.

Boundary-Pushing Installations

Expect to see a variety of light installations that push the boundaries of creativity. These could range from interactive light sculptures that respond to movement and sound, to large-scale projections that tell stories on the facades of buildings. The festival also encourages participation, so you might find installations that require you to engage with them to fully come to life. This could involve anything from casting shadows to create art, to using apps that interact with the lights.

Live Performances and Workshops

Alongside the static displays, live performances will add to the festival’s vibrancy. Musicians, dancers, and street performers will all contribute to the festive atmosphere, with performances likely to incorporate light and sound elements. For those interested in the creative process, workshops led by artists and technicians involved in the festival could provide insights into the making of light art and offer hands-on experiences.

Sign up as a Volunteer

 It is possible to sign up as a volunteer for the Takapuna Winter Lights festival. While the specific details of the volunteer sign-up process for the 2024 festival are not open to the public, you can typically find this information by contacting the event organizers directly. You can do so by sending them an email at partnership@winterlights.nz. They have also other engagement programs which you can find here.

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