Wellington Matariki fireworks set for this weekend

  • 12/07/2018
Wellington Matariki fireworks set for this weekend
Photo credit: Getty/ file

Wellington's Matariki fireworks display is set to take place this Saturday evening, as long as 'Matariki' the whale is out of the harbour and the weather is suitable.

The Sky Show was cancelled last weekend due to the southern right whale spending the week in the Wellington Harbour, sparking concerns about public safety and the safety of the whale.

Department of Conservation advice said while the fireworks themselves were unlikely to harm the whale, there was a safety risk if the whale was in the proximity of boats on the harbour.

It's been two days since the whale was spotted in the harbour, however there were sightings on Wednesday evening and again on Thursday of the whale near Moa Point on the south coast.

Wellington Acting Mayor Simon Marsh said they would "be keeping our eyes peeled over the next few days" for the whale.

"The fact a whale was seen outside the harbour entrance raises the possibility that 'our' whale has finally tired of the bright lights and the big city," he explained.

"However if it decides to come back for more at the weekend, we'll postpone the Sky Show to a future date.

"Wellingtonians made it plain to us that a whale in the harbour is a thing to be cherished far more than a fireworks display."

If the whale is gone and the weather is fine, the show will start at 6:30pm on July 14 and run for 10 minutes.

Newshub.