Fireworks fizzle as economy smoulders
The annual Lake Taupo Rotary ‘Big Bang’ fireworks event has fallen on hard times again with organisers pulling the plug due to a lack of sponsorship.
The event was set down for November 7, but Lake Taupō Rotary President Noel Rodgers says they have had to make the difficult decision to cancel it.
He says the event has been a popular and “iconic” event for Taupō with a large portion of the community attending.
Families are treated to music, a feature movie, laser lights and the fireworks display, along with food vendors.
The Lake Taupo Rotary fireworks event also supports various volunteer groups that help to run the event as a fundraiser, local food vendors, hire companies and local entertainment providers who producing a spectacular show before the main event.
Lake Taupo Rotary also donates to the neighbouring SPCA to assist with any inconveniences during the evening.
“The ‘Big Bang’ fireworks display allows a range of people to experience an affordable evening such as families without their own fireworks, families that want a safe fireworks experience and a venue for the young and old without families to experience the wonderful display in the night sky.”
He says Lake Taupo Rotary operates the event solely on volunteer support and sponsorship, but a significant financial input was required to meet the cost of the venue, the entertainment and the fireworks.
He says gate entry fees cover only a portion of the event costs and the club cannot afford to make a loss.
“Previously sponsors have provided a significant amount of sponsorship funding to support the cost of the event, as without these sponsors, the event would not be able to occur.”
He says that due to the downturn in the economy, the sponsorship that Lake Taupo Rotary requires for the ‘Big Bang’ fireworks event is not available.
Previous sponsors include Taupō District Council, Starlight Cinema up until a few years ago and most recently The Landing.
Noel says there are no prospective sponsors, so unless one came forward in the next few days then they would have to turn their attention to next year’s event instead.
“It is Lake Taupō Rotary’s intention to start seeking sponsorship for the event in November 2026 as the cancellation of this year’s event does not signal the end of the ‘Big Bang’ fireworks.
“Lake Taupo Rotary thanks all of the volunteers, vendors, suppliers and the Taupo community for your support and we hope to be able to continue with the ‘Big Bang’ fireworks in 2026.”
If you would like any further detail regarding the cancellation of the event, please contact Lake Taupo Rotary on our website.