Wellington's waterfront hosted an extraordinary display when the Len Lye designed Water Whirler was turned on for the first time last night by the Govornor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright.

The spectacular performance at night time meant the lights and cascading water resembled a water ballet.

The sculpture, designed by New Zealand-born kinetic sculptor and film maker Len Lye, is situated on a pier at the northern end of the waterfront promenade by Frank Kitts Park.

The public was invited to witness the inaugural performance, along with VIPs from the Wellington Sculpture Trust, the Len Lye Foundation and Wellington Waterfront Limited (WWL).

The work has been six years in its planning, construction and commissioning. The core funding for the work came from a Lottery Board Millennium Grant give to the Wellington Sculpture Trust. Wellington Waterfront Limited agreed to another grant for the sculpture and to provide the site.

"I think Wellington is going to fall in love with Water Whirler", said Ian Pike, WWL's Chief Executive. "It is a unique addition to sculpture in the capital and its waterfront position ensures it will be well viewed."

"Credit must also go to the combined forces of the Wellington Sculpture Trust and the Len Lye Foundation which have seen the project through - from a Lye sketch to what we have just witnessed - a composition of lights and water in motion."

Water Whirler, which has a performance cycle lasting approximately 12 minutes, will have 10 performances daily. The times are listed on an information plaque on the waterfront promenade.