Christmas in the Park at Anderson Park in 2019. Photo / NZME
Christmas in the Park at Anderson Park in 2019. Photo / NZME
Organisers of Christmas in the Park are replacing a loud fireworks display with a multi-dynamic storytelling show - but bird-lovers say the change isn't enough.
Anderson Park in Napier has been a regular host of arguably Hawke's Bay's biggest Christmas event for 25 years, but in recent years there havebeen concerns raised about the impact the firework display has on the park's wildlife.
Organiser David Trim said The Kaisen Trust has been working on a new multi-dynamic storytelling show for two years and it was due to be presented for the first time at this year's event.
"The new show does not include any loud noises, therefore respecting the wildlife of the park and the neighbourhood pets and animals," Trim said.
The event is one of Napier's most significant free family-friendly outdoor events and attracts anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 people each year, however, Covid restrictions mean the show may not go ahead.
Liv Flynn, from Hawke's Bay Bird and Wildlife Rescue. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hawke's Bay Bird & Wildlife Rescue trustee Liv Flynn said the new light show was good news but "foot traffic noise and disturbance it creates in this area is still a big concern" given the park's status as a bird sanctuary.
"We understand our people and their families love to attend these events, we just simply ask to move this event away from bird sanctuaries," Flynn said.
She said the group had a "great relationship" with the Napier City Council and hoped it would "do the right thing" by moving Christmas In the Park away from the area.
Flynn explained that the bird species in this area were in breeding season and had "very poor vision at night".
When spooked, they will run or fly from their nests to seek a safer area, she said, "often running towards lights".
"Whilst this happens many of their nests are trampled on or abandoned with many species being killed underneath cars as they try to seek shelter," Flynn said.
NCC was approached for comment, but directed Hawke's Bay Today to the event's organisers.
Trim said all significant events in Hawke's Bay are uncertain due to Covid restrictions.
"For event managers there are still many unanswered questions around levels, double jab passports and timing of these changes that are making events very hard to plan for."
