Circa Theatre has long been a distinctive presence on the Wellington waterfront — and its bold new façade elevates that presence even further.
The recent upgrade, led by Inside Design, introduced a striking curved canopy made from Kaynemaile — a lightweight mesh that moves with the wind and reflects the harbour nearby. To bring the architectural vision to life, Moth Light was engaged to develop a custom lighting solution that could follow the velarium’s unique flowing form.
The result is a seamless, sculptural integration of RGBW lighting — and the debut of Nellie Neon 23, a new product developed specifically for challenging geometries and exterior conditions.
Introducing Nellie Neon 23
Nellie Neon 23 is a flexible linear LED system designed to bend on both vertical and horizontal axes. Its formability and programmable colour output allowed us to follow the velarium’s sweeping lines without compromise — creating an animated lighting feature that responds to both architecture and environment.
With an IP67 rating and robust silicone construction, Nellie Neon 23 is ideal for exterior applications where durability and precision are critical. This installation at Circa Theatre is its first real-world application — a proof point for how custom lighting can elevate public architecture.
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Also Launching: Nellie Neon 16
Complementing the range is Nellie Neon 16, a slimmer-profile white light version ideal for curved walls and joinery. With a continuous run length of up to 10 metres and the same IP67 protection, it offers a compact, high-performance solution where space is limited but visual impact is still essential.
The Nellie Neon range is Moth Light’s response to a growing demand for custom linear solutions that don’t sacrifice performance for flexibility. Whether for exterior façades, interior joinery, or anything in between, these profiles provide a new level of precision and control.
Photography:
Circa Theatre: Paul McCredie
