New Light Installation, Ātea To Be Centrepiece Of Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne Festival

Residents have the chance over the next week to step into a new, immersive light installation that brings ancient Māori creation stories to life.

The highly-anticipated installation, named Ātea, will be the centrepiece of the annual Trust Horizon Light Up Festival, which transforms the Whakatāne town centre from 5–12 July.

It's a powerful collaboration between Tāme Iti, Te Mira Collective, and Angus Muir Design Studio, with soundscape design by Moaho Iti.

"It's a huge honour to be working with Tāme and his whānau. To bring our work to Whakatāne and collaborate with a visionary like Tāme is an incredible opportunity," says Muir.  

For Wairere Iti of Te Mira Collective, the partnership represents transformation itself:

“This allows us to amplify our narratives in a new and exciting way, offering a taste of what is possible when our stories are given new platforms to present themselves from," says Iti.  

Ātea will be available to view every night from 5–12 July.