MEDIA RELEASE

20 October 2005

Fireworks ban in place along Tamaki Drive

Auckland City has put in place a fireworks ban along Tamaki Drive between 27 October and 30 November this year.

The council and the Police are working together to implement the ban. "The main reasons for the ban are for public safety and to prevent people from being seriously injured during the Guy Fawkes' season," says Councillor Penny Sefuiva, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

The ban covers all beaches and parks along Tamaki Drive - Watene Reserve, Okahu Bay, Orakei Domain, Whenua Rangatira (Bastion Point), Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, Selwyn Domain, Kohimarama Beach, Vellenoweth Green, St Heliers Bay Beach, Ladies Bay and Achilles Point.

"In the past, close to 15,000 people have congregated at Selwyn Domain and there have been concerns about the size of the event and the potential for serious injury to some attendees due to overcrowding and irresponsible use of fireworks," says Councillor Sefuiva.

In past years the Police and the council have set up a controlled area at Mission Bay beach to help manage the crowd, but even that has become unmanageable and potentially dangerous.

"Too many people in a small space combined with the presence of fireworks and alcohol create a potentially lethal combination and is difficult to manage safely.

"Most people enjoy letting off fireworks and, while we don't want to stop people celebrating, we have a responsibility to prevent injuries," says Councillor Sefuiva.

This is the first year the Police and Auckland City have introduced a ban along Tamaki Drive. The ban does not prevent people letting off fireworks on private property.

A number of public fireworks displays have been organised for Guy Fawkes' night, Saturday, 5 November including

- Howick Lions' Club hosted Family Fireworks Spectacular, Alexandra Park, from 4.30pm, display from 8.45pm

- Heart of the City fireworks in the Viaduct for bar and restaurant patrons, Viaduct Harbour, 8pm to 10pm

- Waitakere Fireworks Display, Waitakere Stadium, Douglas Track and Field, Central Park Drive, Henderson, gates open 5.00pm, display 8.25pm

- Racing night and fireworks display at Waikaraka Park Speedway. Visit www.aucklandspeedway.co.nz or call 636 5014 for ticket prices and further detail.

Clevedon Residents' Association are hosting a Fireworks Night on Friday, 4 November at the Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Road, 6.30pm to 11pm.

For further information visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/fireworksban or phone
(09) 379 2020.

Ends

Note to editor:

Family Fireworks Spectacular, 5 November

Organised by the Howick Lions Club to raise money for the National Burn Centre at Middlemore Hospital. Entertainment includes music including NZ Idol Winner and Runner-up, dance, food competitions and prizes. Fireworks show begins 8.45pm and runs for approx 25 minutes. People will be permitted to bring picnic food and drink but Security will not allow cans, glass bottles, alcohol or fireworks to be brought in.

Cost: Family passes $25 from Ticketek, $30 from the door. Individual tickets, adult $10, child (age 5 to 15 ) $5, family (2 adults, 2 kids ) $25. Pre-schoolers free. By purchasing through Ticketek, prior to 4 November.

Gate prices: adult $12, child $6, family (2+2) $30, under 5 free.
Alexandra Park, November 5th from 4.30pm visit www.lionsfireworks.co.nz

Fireworks in the Viaduct, 5 November

HOT City is letting loose a fantasia of fireworks on Saturday night (5 November) from a barge in the harbour. Take your seats in the Viaduct for a magnificent display of fireworks at 9pm, and fire performers from 8pm-10pm. Enjoy dinner and drinks at your favourite spot and enjoy the show!

Viaduct Harbour, Saturday 5 November 8pm-10pm
Contact Heart of the City for further detail on 379 8000, e-mail info@hotcity.co.nz or visit www.hotcity.co.nz

Waitakere Fireworks Display, 5 November

Bring the family along and enjoy live entertainment including Police Dog Demonstrations, the Waitakere Brass Band and much more. Picnics are welcome and snack food will be available for purchase. This event is being staged by the Waitakere City Lions Club and is alcohol free.

Cost: Family (2 adults, two children) Passes $25 Individual tickets, Adult (including 1 child) $15, Child (age up to 15) $2, Students (15-18) $5.

Waitakere Stadium, Douglas track & Field, Central Park Drive, Henderson, raindate 6 November. Gates open 5pm, display 8.25pm. Tickets from Waitakere & Portage Trust outlet, Waitakere City Council Civic Centre, phone 838 0416 or e-mail guyfawkes@xtra.co.nz

Fireworks & Racing - 5 November

Racing Night & Fireworks Display at Waikaraka Park Speedway "What a Bang of a Night it will be". Visit www.aucklandspeedway.co.nz or call 636 5014 for ticket prices and further detail.

Clevedon Fireworks Night - 4 November

Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Road, 6.30pm - 11pm
Organised by the Clevedon Residents Association.
Cost: Adults $5, Children $5, Family $20
Contact Maggie Gill on (09) 292 8242 or e-mail e.mgill@xtra.co.nz for further detail

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