Australasia's largest public art lightwall will once again illuminate Auckland's waterfront, with three leading wāhine Māori artists launching First Light - The Lightship's 2026/27 curatorial programme.
The opening programme features new commissions by three leading wāhine Māori artists whose practices explore language, whenua, whakapapa and ecology:
- Nova Paul (17 September - 31 October 2026)
- Ana Iti (1 November - 31 December 2026)
- Ashleigh Taupaki (1 January - 28 February 2027).
Presented by Port of Auckland and curated by Simon Bowerbank, First Light brings six newly commissioned contemporary artworks to The Lightship across a year-long public art programme.
Stretching 110 metres across Bledisloe Wharf, standing 13 metres high and illuminated by approximately 8,500 LED lights, The Lightship has become one of Auckland's most distinctive public art experiences over the past six years, transforming working port infrastructure into a free outdoor gallery where art, industry and public life meet.
Visit The Lightship website to find out more about lightwall and upcoming artist installations.