Organisers of the Pounawea New Year’s Eve Fireworks Event say this will be their last year running the event, having failed to find anyone to take the helm — despite more than two years of trying.
The event was taken over by the Pounawea Picnic Group in 2012, since which time a small core group of Pounawea crib owners have organised the family-oriented New Year’s Eve event, which attracts up to a thousand visitors each year.
Group spokeswoman Annette Moore said she and her friends had enjoyed running the event, but were ‘‘getting on in years’’ and could not continue.
‘‘Because we have it down to a fine art, we can still just about do it, although it’s been an extra effort this year as we had thought last year was our last.
‘‘By the time we’d talked to various people who were considering taking it over, we’d become committed to another year. But this will definitely be our last, as we’re not actually here next year.’’
Mrs Moore said the closure of the event — which had run in some form since 2000 — would leave a ‘‘big hole’’ in hundreds of people’s hearts, and their enjoyment of the summer holiday.
‘‘It’s become quite a fixture for people, who come from all over having heard about the unique, relaxed family atmosphere and our excellent fireworks. We like to think we punch above our weight and compare favourably or better than some of the main Otago centres,’’ she said.
A $10 entry fee (for those 12 and over) and profits from sales at the event meant it was self-sustaining.
‘‘It will be sad to see it go, but perhaps it’s just a sign of the times.’’
Fellow group member Dianne Begg said the group remained happy to share its knowledge, contacts and resources with anybody ‘‘serious’’ about taking the event on.
‘‘We’ve done our dash, and are stepping aside now. Anybody who likes people, loves the Catlins and enjoys giving a little back to their community would get a lot of pleasure from taking it on, just as we have over the years.
‘‘It doesn’t take a huge amount of time or effort — most of it is done from about 4pm on the day, then tidying up on New Year’s Day. And then be prepared to share your new year’s celebrations with up to a thousand other people.
‘‘When you see the smiles on the youngsters’ faces, it’s all worth it.’’
