Fireworks displays fizzle out
If Aucklanders want to see fireworks this Guy Fawkes they will have to set them off themselves, or travel to the far southern city boundary.
Since Auckland Council banned fireworks in public places in 2014, celebrations have been restricted to private properties and public events.
On its website, Auckland Council encourages people to find a public Guy Fawkes display. Yet, it is not providing one.
The long-running November 5 tradition marks the anniversary of Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow-up British Parliament more than 400 years ago.
Events manager David Burt said Auckland Council is ‘‘not delivering any’’ firework displays, but local boards could support them.
Fireworks display cancellations are happening all over Auckland. Spooks and Sparks was a popular West Auckland event that could attract 10,000 people, but it was cancelled – because it might rain. Papakura also cancelled its annual event for the second year in a row, after the local board has not allocated its usual $27,000 funding for the fireworks at Massey Park. Wellington’s mayor is pulling the plug on the city’s 22-year-old Guy Fawkes festival in favour of the Ma¯ ori New Year festival, Matariki.
Fireworks are available for only four days prior to Guy Fawkes, so sales will end on the evening of November 5. However, fireworks can be let off at any time.