Covid-19 restrictions have snuffed out Auckland’s traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Casino operator Sky City has announced that the display from the top of the Skytower won’t go ahead, to discourage large numbers from gathering on the city streets and waterfront.
The Auckland fireworks have led international television broadcasts in recent times, being the first major city to welcome in the New Year.
Live music and other entertainment on Auckland’s waterfront will also not go ahead.
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Festivities will be limited to those run by bars and restaurants in the area.
The shift to the “traffic light system”, or Covid-19 protection framework, with Auckland at the highest level red, does not allow public gatherings of a scale which occurred in past years.
The casino and hotel operator said it had worked closely with Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Council and police on a way to deliver a New Year’s Eve event, but that it would not be viable under the red setting.
“We appreciate this will come as a disappointment to some, but the priority is keeping everybody safe,” said the company in a statement.
DAVID WHITE/STUFF
2020 gets under way with a fireworks display launched from the Sky Tower in Auckland.
“The Sky Tower will still take part in a New Year’s Eve light show including the Auckland Harbour Bridge in partnership with Auckland Council, and Vector Lights,” it said.
The low-key welcome to 2022 will be a turnaround for Auckland, where large-scale entertainment, food and activity on the waterfront has occurred only in the past three years.
“While some may be disappointed the SkyCity’s annual fireworks display is unable to proceed, we support the decision to cancel the event – the health and safety of the public comes first,” said Nick Hill, chief executive of Auckland Unlimited, the council’s economic and culture agency.
“We hope to return to the New Year’s Eve celebrations Aucklanders know and love next year.”
