The lights were tested on Thursday night, prompting speculation about the light show.
Some brushed it off as lightning, some joked about an alien invasion, while others wondered whether it was a promo for the new season of The X-Files, which premiered that evening.
The light beam is intended to echo the form of traditional pou herenga - hitching posts or moorings for waka.
The project is an initiative by the iwi of Marutuahu, Ngati Whatua and Waiohua-Tamaki, known as the Tamaki Collective, and is supported by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed). It coincides with the Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival, which focuses on the Maori identity and heritage of the region.
"We hope this beam of light will be a beacon, visible across the Auckland region, conditions permitting, drawing the eyes of Aucklanders and visitors, generating public interest in Auckland's Maori identity," said Ateed's general manager destination, Vivien Bridgwater.
