The debate over whether Guy Fawkes is still relevant in New Zealand has been stirred up again this year, with the Wellington City Council deciding to scrap its big annual public display in favour of a more Kiwi celebration.
The capital's Guy Fawkes event has been lighting up the sky in November for more than 25 years, but the council has decided to align the display with Matariki, the Maori New Year.
"This isn't about celebrating anything more or less. This is about making most of New Zealand's culture," Wellington Mayor Justin Lester told 1 NEWS.
Other councils have expressed support for the decision too, the mayor saying other councils may do something similar.
Wellington City Council says it still plans to have a display in November next year, however it won't be as big.
"The council will probably do some sort of celebration too but what we're saying is Matariki is our big focus for Wellington and our major focus for New Zealand," Mr Lester said.
With more than 2000kgs of pyrotechnics ready for tonight, the man behind the firework magic, Robert McDermott, will be making sure this final big Guy Fawkes event goes of with a bang.
"It's one of the best harbours in the world to watch fireworks," Mr McDermott said.
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