Editorial: Poor form from some Napier bonfire revellers

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. PHOTO / File.

After most annual events there follows the bitter aftertaste of dealing with less positive incidents that tend to go hand in hand.

Social media over Guy Fawkes weekend, I say weekend as November 5 didn't seem to boast anymore explosions than November 3 or 4, was abuzz with the frustrations of locals.

My family and I drove from Havelock North to Napier yesterday morning for a stroll along Marine Parade.

Unfortunately, the usual enjoyable walk and stark reminder of why moving to this picturesque region was such a great decision, was a little tainted.

Patches of the Parade were awash with broken bottles, fireworks and litter left behind from bonfire night revellers.

As mentioned in a previous editorial.

I understand and empathise with the arguments of those both for and against the use of fireworks.

But to leave Marine Parade in a state that prevents others from enjoying it, particularly after such hard work from council to maintain it, further vilifies an already polarising event.

Others chose to air their frustrations on a Napier Facebook group.

One person posted; "The amount of fireworks, broken glass, and empty cans along Marine Parade this morning was bloody disgusting!

"Sort it out Napier, doesn't take much effort to take your rubbish away with you!"

The statement evoked much debate.

While others, commendably, mentioned how they personally took to the streets to pick up and bin the remnants of an evening enjoyed by others.

It's a shame that a weekend of great fun for so many can be tainted by an absent-minded few.