The first of eight free community events got under way as dusk fell and Marcus McShane’s Three Nests light and sound installation came alive with the voices of extinct New Zealand birds.
The Wanaka Festival of Colour is offering 51 ticketed events and eight free events to the public in venues in Wanaka, Luggate, Hawea and Bannockburn.
It is also drawing 167 out of town artists and performers to Wanaka.
The afternoon ceremony took place in sunshine and began with a mihi whakatau (informal welcome) by kaikorero (speaker) Komene Cassidy, of Otakou Marae, and his wife, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, who lead the waitata (songs).
Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said the festival trust and performers had done a huge amount of work in the background to create what was a "massive event" for the community.
"This is a premier event
for the council that we are proud to support. It is an anchor event, one of four we see as corner stones," Cr Smith said.
Artist director Sophie Kellie said it was a time to hear different perspectives, have "conversations with substance that changes minds" and strengthen community wellbeing.
The festival continues until April 2. Tickets are still available for some shows.
More information is available on the festival website and in programmes around town.
