Fireworks inquiry proves a fizzer

New Years 2011 fireworks display at the Sky Tower. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Len Brown's office promised to scrutinise the decision to have a ratepayer-funded fireworks display for Auckland's anniversary - after the $25,000 celebration has taken place.

The Auckland Council event agency's decision to spend that sum on the city's 171st birthday display on January 30 has been criticised as a waste of money.

Clendon resident Frank Galvin laid a formal complaint with the council, saying ratepayers should not foot the bill for an "insignificant" birthday.

"I don't mind fireworks displays paid for by private groups, but $25,000 of ratepayers' money, on a display which is not needed ... I am flabbergasted.

"There are so many things that money could be better spent on - helping flood victims, Glendowie school's arson, or poor libraries - but we are basically putting a match to $25,000."

The mayor's office responded with a letter saying it had asked senior council officers to look into Mr Galvin's concerns "as a matter of priority".

But it added, "Due to the Christmas period, we anticipate responding to your query in the week starting January 31, 2011".

That is a day after the display.

Mr Galvin said he was not convinced the council had taken his complaint seriously.

When alerted to the date discrepancy, mayoral press secretary Glyn Jones apologised and said Mr Galvin's complaint would now be reviewed before the fuse was lit for the 12-minute fireworks display.

The decision to have an anniversary display came from a council-controlled organisation, Auckland Tourism, Events, and Economic Development.

The deputy chairman of the economic forum, councillor Cameron Brewer, said he was concerned that the issue was not debated by elected representatives accountable to ratepayers.

He believed most Aucklanders would not support another display so soon after New Year's Eve, especially because of the economic climate and rising rates.

The cost of the display to each ratepayer is about 5c.