The city's Tīrama Mai lighting festival kicked off in Victoria Square on Friday, showcasing a series of interactive colourful lighting displays exploring Matariki and Ngai Tahu narratives told through light and sound.
Christchurch resident Qwinnall Ngaha got an early look at the event, and said it was great that tangata whenua and their traditions were being celebrated.
"It's special because it shows my culture. It shows other people from away from here, Aotearoa that this is how we embrace our culture and Matariki."
The free annual event is expected to bring thousands of Cantabrians out to brave the cold.
Christchurch City Council manager of events and arts Lucy Blackmore said they collaborated with local artists and designers to create the interactive, personalised pieces.
She said they made the move to Victoria Square this year, to continue adapting and enhancing the event.
"We decided to evolve and play on the dark spaces more this year, especially with the number of artworks that really illuminate with the dark so we thought 'let's stay in the city centre, support local businesses, but also just bring it across a bit further'."
Tīrama Mai begins on Friday, with the immersive lighting displays running every night until next weekend.
- Geoff Sloan, Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
