Viaduct Harbour presents Te Rama Ika

Viaduct Harbour celebrates Matariki with Te Rama Ika, a light and sound installation from 8–12 July. 

Viaduct Harbour presents Te Rama Ika, a striking new public installation that transforms Te Mata Topaki into a contemporary beacon of light, sound and reflection for Matariki.

Created by acclaimed lighting designer Angus Muir in collaboration with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei artist Graham Tipene, who designed Te Mata Topaki, Te Rama Ika will be free for the public from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 July 2026, with the installation best experienced after sunset. 

Event Details:
📍 Te Mata Topaki, Waitematā Plaza, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 July 2026, after dark
Free and open to the public

Meaning the fishing light, Te Rama Ika is an extension of the term Te Rama Tuna, the traditional practice of fishing for tuna in freshwater streams at night by torchlight. Te Rama Ika refers to the same practice in salt water, where torchlight was used to fish for species such as flounder.

Inspired by this tradition, Angus Muir has created powerful columns of light rising from the waterfront, tracing celestial pathways into the night sky. At ground level, integrated lighting woven through the balustrade of Te Mata Topaki forms a gentle constellation beneath visitors' feet, inviting them to journey through the space while symbolically connecting the marina below with the stars above.

An atmospheric soundscape inspired by wind, water and traditional celestial navigation envelops the site, creating a contemplative environment that encourages visitors to pause, remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and look ahead with hope, reflecting the values at the heart of Matariki.

Visible from across Viaduct Harbour and Auckland's city centre, Te Rama Ika will become both a landmark and a gathering place throughout the Matariki celebrations.

‍"Te Rama Ika is about creating a quiet moment of connection between the harbour, the night sky and the stories that have guided people across these waters for generations.Working alongside Graham Tipene's cultural vision, we've used light and sound to invite people to slow down, look up and reflect on the significance of Matariki.
I'm also grateful for the support of fellow lighting designer Catherine Ellis who helped to bring this vision to life. It's a privilege to create an experience that celebrates both place and whakapapa in such an iconic waterfront setting." – Angus Muir.

Te Rama Ika forms part of Matariki ki te Manawa, Auckland city centre's wider programme celebrating Matariki.
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The programme features a diverse collection of public artworks across the city centre, including light installations, photography, sculpture and light boxes by Graham Tipene, Ataahua Papa, Angus Muir Design, Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, alongside many other artists and storytellers, inviting Aucklanders and visitors to experience the stories, creativity and cultural significance of Matariki.