There's no better way to start the day – or an arts festival – than with the sun on your face and a song in your heart.

As the sun rose from the ocean this morning, a choir of local singers gathered at The Strand waterfront to sing a specially-written waiata to officially launch this year's Tauranga Arts Festival.

A choir of local singers helped to officially launch this year's Tauranga Arts Festival down on The Strand waterfront this morning. Photos: Tracy Hardy

A large crowd turned out to hear the choir of more than 35 singers beautifully present the waiata ‘Tākiri Ko Te Ata', whichwas composed by Tauranga musicians Teraania Ormsby-Teki and Ria Hall.

The waiata draws inspiration from the story of Mauao and depicts the dance of the fairies of Hautere, who keep the maunga company every night and depart on the dawn.

Associate director Claire Mabey says commissioning the waiata was about having something really special for the festival and starting it off with 'something grown from here”.

The dawn chorus was led by Ria and also featured solos from the kaiwhakatangitangi (musician) and kaiwaiata (singer).

The Tauranga Arts Festival will be held at various locations across Tauranga Moana from October 22 to November 1. For more information and programme details, visit: www.taurangafestival.co.nz

Photo by David Evans.

Photo by David Evans.