Octopoda, an installation from Australian artists Amigo and Amigo, invites the audience to create a unique display of colour and light. Photo: TSB Winter Festival of Lights / Supplied
Visitors to Taranaki's Winter Festival of Lights Pop-Up will finally get to see an interactive light installation - three years after it was stuck in transit.
Octopoda is an interactive artwork by Australian design team Amigo & Amigo that features eight "tentacle drums" which, with the audience's help, animates its "musical mind".
New Plymouth District Council spokeswoman Lisa Ekdahl said the artwork was meant to feature in the 2020/2021 summer Festival of Lights, but got delayed in Taiwan and never made it to New Zealand,
It would be one of the nine light installations and music acts that could be seen around New Plymouth during the third TSB Winter Festival of Lights Pop Up, which runs over the Matariki weekend from 27-30 June.
Among the entertainment on offer was country music, blues, kapa haka, fire poi and electronica, Ekdahl said.
The free event would see some central New Plymouth streets closed to traffic and two hours' free parking at the Centre City mall.
Venture Taranaki general manager, destination, Brylee Flutey said the festival, which launched in 2022, was significant economically and culturally.
Last year's event attracted some 15,000 people, with about 15 percent of those from outside the region.
"At a time that is traditionally quieter for visitors, this event presents a compelling reason to visit and experience our region like no other, generating vibrancy, fun, connection, and an opportunity for locals and manuhiri [visitors] to engage with Puanga/Matariki and build their understanding around this culturally significant time."