In the Octagon, the start of the year was ushered in, not with a traditional fireworks display, but with a laser show projected on to Burns House.
The performance has proven unpopular with many revellers who took to the internet to voice their distaste following the event.
Many called the show "pathetic" and "disappointing".
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the Dunedin City Council would be taking the feedback into consideration to ensure the public got the "best bang for buck" next time.
The council always wanted to deliver a good show that people enjoyed, but there were many things to consider, Mr Radich said.
At the dawn of 2017, a Dunedin man was blinded after being hit in the eye with firework debris.
That incident was a "significant disincentive" to host further firework shows in the Octagon.
There was also the issue of fires, as a string of blazes were caused by private firework shows across Otago on New Year’s Eve.
Although the shows were private, it highlighted the dangers of fireworks and was something to keep in mind.
Despite this, it was important the public enjoyed the celebrations.
There was a "tremendous opportunity" to do something special at New Year’s and it was a shame the latest performance failed to do so, he said.
Projections in the Octagon had been done well before, such as when St Paul’s Cathedral was transformed into a gingerbread house during the Midwinter Carnival in 2021.
In comparison, the performance on New Year’s Eve made no consideration of the architecture of the building and did not take advantage of the technology.
"If you’re going to do a laser show at least make it a decent one."
Although fireworks were an expectation at New Year’s Eve, they were not necessary provided what was on offer was a "spectacular celebration."
Cr Vandervis said he had spoken with the mayor to voice his concerns and was assured the issue was being looked at.
There were other smaller issues he had with the celebration, such as the "awkward" positioning of the stage, which would also be considered.
Mr Radich said Cr Vandervis had expertise with laser equipment, having run Vandervision Lighting Audio and Video, so his criticism was well founded.
The criticism from Cr Vandervis and the public would form part of the discussion for the next celebrations.
A Dunedin City Council spokesman said the council would respond after staff returned to the office from holidays today.
