Nelson's newest sculpture was lit up for the first time this morning in a dawn ceremony under the light of a crescent moon.

The $200,000 sculpture by Spanish artist Juanjo Novella at Miyazu Park in Nelson is the first sculpture to be completed under the Regional Arts Strategy introduced in 2009.

The lights were turned on at the six-metre high gateway sculpture this morning and the artwork will be lit up at night time.

Nelson College for Girls Kapa Haka group sang at the blessing. Nelson City Council arts and heritage adviser Debbie Daniell-Smith said she thought the girls were world class and it was fitting for them to perform in front of a world-class sculpture.

Mrs Daniell-Smith said $1000 had been raised already for the charitable arts organisation Community Art Works through the sale of limited edition prints of the sculpture. There were still some prints available from Nelson Mail offices.

The sculpture has been named Nau Mai Kai Toku Ahuru Mowai, by local iwi and its name was unveiled at this morning's blessing. The name means Welcome to my safe home, to my sheltered haven.

Lane Hawkins was one of about 100 people at the service.

He came from Motueka for the dawn service and said it was fantastic.

He said it was the right time to view the sculpture and see the sun come through it and it was impressive seeing it lit up.

Nelson City Council policy and planning manager Nicky McDonald, who worked on the policy on the Nelson Tasman Regional Arts Strategy, was also among those who braved the winter frost for the blessing. She said after writing papers and policy on the sculpture it was fantastic to see the end result.

Mr Novella spoke at the blessing and said he felt honoured by the warmth he had received in Nelson and that he had been inspired by the Nelson community, specifically by the Maori community.

He said art in public spaces was essential for the health of society and that mankind needed to understand its scenery from a spiritual vision.

Mayor Aldo Miccio, deputy mayor Ali Boswijk and councillor Pete Rainey all spoke at the blessing – thanking Mr Novella and saying it was fantastic to see the long-awaited first work in the Nelson Tasman Regional Arts Strategy in place.

- © Fairfax NZ News