Public fireworks display to welcome the new year

Auckland will welcome 2011 with the biggest fireworks display since the millennium celebrations.

The countdown to 2011 will be marked by two coordinated pyrotechnic displays – one from Sky City’s Sky Tower and another from two barges anchored on the Waitemata Harbour.

The public will be able to view the displays from Auckland’s CBD and around the city. Vantage points include:
• Mt Eden
• Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, Orakei
• Mt Victoria, Devonport

Gates at these vantage points will be closed to vehicles but people can walk into the parks to see the fireworks.

People celebrating New Year’s Eve in Auckland are reminded to consider:
• public transport options
• designating a sober driver and using parking facilities
• following liquor bans at public spaces, parks and reserves
• road closures around the city, especially in the CBD
• complying with any requests from the Police, Harbourmaster or city officials, to ensure public safety

Queen Street (between Quay Street and Mayoral Drive) and Federal Street (between Wellesley and Victoria streets), will be closed between 8.30pm Saturday, 31 December 2010 and 5.30am Sunday, 1 January 2011 to support public movement and safety on New Year’s Eve.

The Harbourmaster will be responsible for controlling the movement of boats on the harbour during the displays and will be enforcing a restriction around the two fireworks barges.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd, as the council organisation responsible for major events consents, is permitting both fireworks displays to ensure appropriate management and delivery of both displays, as well as public safety.

For more detailed information visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz