Media release
Friday 11 January 2019
Follow The Pink Line | Whai Mai Te Rārangi Māwhero
A vinyl laminate pink line and decals are being installed along the waterfront as part of the build-up to next month’s Performance Arcade 2019 Festival, acting as a navigational tool from the Wellington Railway Station to Oriental Bay.
The Pink Line will direct waterfront users along a 3km pathway showcasing a diverse range of interesting and exciting
encounters and experiences of live performance, music, art installation, and creative cuisine during the 21 February-3
March event.
Wellington City Council proudly supports The Performance Arcade, an award winning festival exhibiting arts and cultural
performances and experiences along the waterfront.
The Pink Line will have a double purpose by also signalling all that the waterfront has to offer – from bars and
restaurants, public art installations and sites of cultural significance, activities, places and spaces for solitude,
reflection and recreation.
Mayor Justin Lester says: “The Pink Line will give followers a great opportunity to really explore the waterfront, which
is an integral part of the cultural fabric and identity of the city.”
The Pink Line – te rārangi māwhero – will also incorporate aspects of the Council’s te reo Māori policy, Te Tauihu,
through the use of bilingual signage, and Māori historic and cultural narratives.
The Pink Line installation will also coincide with and compliment the Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival says the Mayor.
“Last year we officially named the waterfront Ara Moana to reflect the beauty of the area, while also acknowledging the
city’s Māori heritage.
“The Pink Line initiative will enhance that further, by directing locals and visitors alike to sites and scenes they
haven’t seen before or been to for a while,” he adds.
And why pink? The Performance Arcade Director Sam Trubridge says there are a number of reasons.
“The Performance Arcade has used pink as the principal colour in its brand identity for the past three years. It stands
out on Wellington waterfront as there are no other incidences of this colour in any signage or surfacing, street
markings or way-finding systems there.
“The colour also has strong associations with the arts and counter-culture: punk, feminist movements, and LGBTQI
pride/activism. It suggests fresh new ideas and adventurous creativity that resists tradition and stands up for the
voices of all peoples.”
The material has already been tested on Wellington waterfront. The vinyl has a coarse grit built into it, as well as a
rubberised non-slip finish. Installation is planned to start on Monday, and expected to take up to three weeks weather
permitting.
ENDS
Instagram - @Arcade_2019
Facebook - The Performance Arcade
Twitter - arcade_2019
#Arcade_2019
#PA2019
#followthepinkline
#whaimaiterarangimawhero