Auckland Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge and museum to light up for Ukraine

Monday, 28 February 2022

More than 100 protesters marched through central Christchurch on Saturday in support of Ukraine, following Russia's invasion of the eastern European nation.

Auckland’s Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge and the War Memorial Museum will light up from Monday night for three days, to show solidarity with Ukraine.

SkyCity initially refused requests from Aucklanders to light the tower in blue and yellow, the national colours of the Eastern European country.

An update from Auckland Mayor Phil Goff on Monday said the Sky Tower would be one of three Auckland landmarks that would light up for the people of Ukraine.

Auckland’s Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge and museum will light up for Ukraine from Monday, for three days, in support of Ukraine.

“I am pleased to announce that after talking yesterday with representatives from these key landmarks that Auckland will light up for Ukraine over the next three nights,” Goff said.

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Goff made the announcement four days after Russia’s invasion.

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“The war waged against the people of Ukraine by Putin is Europe’s darkest hour since World War II and stands condemned by the world.”

Auckland’s move comes after significant landmarks across the world showed their support of Ukraine, following Russia’s invasion on Thursday.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and New York City’s Empire State Building have been illuminated in Ukrainian colours.

SkyCity had initially refused requests to light the tower.

An earlier email from Sky Tower’s lighting team said it understood awareness around the Ukraine invasion was important.

“However, we receive many requests to light the Sky Tower for so many important causes and events and unfortunately, we are just unable to light for them all.”

Goff said by lighting up Auckland’s skies, residents were sending their unequivocal support for the freedom, independence and sovereignty of Ukrainians.

“It is also an expression of our admiration for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“Ukrainians based in Aotearoa are experiencing incredible distress for their homeland and their family and friends who live there.

“The display of Ukraine’s flag colours demonstrates our support for them as their people suffer from destruction and loss of lives as the attack on Ukraine continues.”