Public fireworks display returns to Whakatane

Whakatane’s last public fireworks display was over in seconds.

In 2009 a mishap with thousands of dollars’ worth of explosives resulted in 40 seconds of spectacular and weeks of charred remains.

Each year since then the Eastern Bay public have unsuccessfully pleaded for another organised fireworks event – until now.

On November 12 Whakatane’s inaugural Sky Show goes ahead at Rugby Park.

The brainchild of local event producer Larni Hepi, the four-hour event promises a fantastic family evening of gourmet food, rides, stage talent, lights in the sky and over $100,000 of choreographed fireworks.

Hepi, who has spent years working behind the scenes at some of the country’s largest events, said the Sky Show had been two “stressful” years in the planning but was happy to be giving the community something special.

“I think there’s a misconception the show is going to be similar to what we’ve had in Whakatane in years gone by,” he said. “That’s not the reality.”

Although he says, with 2000 early bird tickets selling out in under an hour, perhaps people were aware of what the show was about.

“It was incredible watching the tickets get snapped up and from buyers all over the North Island.” Gates to the Sky Show open at 5 with punters able to dine at gourmet food stalls and take youngsters on amusement rides. Between 6 – 7.30pm local acts will be on stage followed by a light and laser show over a smoke-filled rugby field.

At 8.30pm internationally-acclaimed Maisey Rika will perform with kapa haka and a marching band leading into the fireworks display.

“There’s a 40-tonne shipping container holding a lot of money's worth of fireworks on its way. Many of the fireworks have never been seen before in New Zealand and some have been made exclusively for the Sky Show.”

A grade five pyrotechnician from Auckland will be in charge of the display.

Tickets will be available from a box office on the night although they are expected to sell out.

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