Funding Sought for Fireworks Event in New Plymouth

Businesses are being asked to help fund a Guy Fawkes fireworks event on New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway for Saturday 5 November.

Local businessman and pyrotechnician Richard Grevers is aiming to raise $10,000 so that a public fireworks event can be held in the city, after New Plymouth District Council cancelled this year’s event due to lack of sponsorship.

“We’ll set up the fireworks on a platform on the Coastal Walkway, approximately 200 metres west of the Wind Wand, so that people can watch from the walkway on either side and from other vantage points nearby.

“What we need is businesses to come forward and say they’ll put some money towards this. With $10,000, we can do it,” said Mr Grevers. "Public displays can reduce the number of injuries and amount of damage from consumer fireworks, and give families an alternative to buying their own fireworks."

NPDC is helping Mr Grevers organise the event, along with support from existing media partner Media Works and Christchurch company Firework Professionals.

“It’s great to see a member of public coming forward with an idea of how to deliver an alternative fireworks show for the community,” said NPDC Manager Recreation and Events Brent Thawley. “I applaud Richard’s efforts in trying to get this off the ground and hope that local businesses will support his initiative.”

Businesses who wish to support the event can contact Mediaworks on (06) 968 6200 or call into their offices on Devon Street East. Support is needed within 24 hours so that planning and permits for the display can proceed.