Thousands of people turned out to watch Vector Lights bring Auckland's iconic Harbour Bridge to life in a world-first solar, battery and peer-to-peer powered light show.

(Image: Vector Lights)

The six-minute specially-composed Vector Lights opening show sequence wowed local residents watching and listening from different vantage points throughout the city, on land and water, last night.

The light show featured original music, including the rumbling of Polynesian drumming, and spectacular lighting effects, vividly demonstrating the new lighting capabilities and a smarter way to power Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who was with the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and the hordes of spectators watching the bridge light up says, "Lighting up Auckland's iconic harbour bridge in such a creative and exciting way adds new vibrancy and excitement to our city.

"Vector Lights has given us another platform from which to celebrate and the use of solar power reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions."

The company uses ground-breaking renewable energy technology – stored through 630 solar panels – to light the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Each of the 90,000 LEDs added to the bridge can be individually programmed, allowing for an almost infinite array of designs and effects. The eight-lane, 58-year-old motorway bridge will be used to further enhance and celebrate Auckland's major events and becoming an attraction for local residents and visitors.

Vector's CEO Simon Mackenzie says the company reflects Auckland's position as a future-thinking city.

"Vector Lights will be an evolving showcase of new energy solutions that help illustrate what a more sustainable energy future can look like.

"Vector Lights not only showcases what is possible from an energy perspective, it will contribute to Auckland's allure as a destination and a modern, future-focused community."

Vector Lights is part of a smart energy partnership between New Zealand-based energy company Vector and Auckland Council, in collaboration with the NZ Transport Agency.