27 March 2006
Hundreds celebrate under laser lights
Laser lights project out from the library over the crowd whilst Batucada Sound Machine plays below.
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Waitakere’s new Central Library is now officially open, after a night of public celebrations including a live band,
laser lights and official speeches.
With the sun setting, the opening ceremony saw dignitaries from both Unitec and the Council talk of the benefits to
Waitakere City and Unitec in opening New Zealand’s first tertiary-public library.
Batucada Sound Machine took to the stage after sunset, playing an explosive set for an hour, much to the delight of
dancing members of the public.
A thirty-minute laser light show finished the evening. The green laser lights projected a tour around Europe’s tourist
spots, books opening and snapping shut, and other messages out over the crowd.
The Corban family, represented by former Mayor Assid and his cousin Brian, presented several gifts to the new 3650
square metre library, including a photo of pioneer Don Buck and a portrait of Maurice Gee by artist Glenda Robertson.
Mayor Bob Harvey gifted a map of the Waitakere Ranges to the library. Sketched on linen and dated at 1861, the time of
the New Zealand Wars, it details plots to be purchased throughout the Ranges that were never taken up. The map will be
housed in a climate-controlled storage area.
ENDS