In a world-first initiative, Auckland Harbour Bridge is set to have 90,000 solar powered LED lights and 200 floodlights installed, transforming the bridge for lighting displays.

More than 630 solar panels will be installed as well as a large-scale battery to store the energy, meaning the eight-lane box truss bridge will be the first in the world to have all its lighting – operational, structural and special event – powered entirely by solar-stored energy.

A special event will mark the official turning on of the lights.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff told Stuff.co.nz that lighting the bridge would make the city a "more interesting and vibrant sight" at night. 

"It will also reflect our commitment as a city to energy efficiency, sustainability and low carbon emissions,” he said.

The LED lights will be individually controlled, meaning the intensity of each light can be regulated. 

The lighting of the bridge comes through a partnership between Vector and Auckland Council. 

Vector is contributing millions of dollars to the project and will meet the bulk of the costs in operating and maintaining the new lights.

Auckland Council will fund the digital programming of the lights, special events activations and promotion.

The planning and installation of the lights is expected to take several months once council planning, consenting and NZTA approval processes have been completed.