The popularity and spectacle of public fireworks displays has resulted in increased safety to people and property in recent years.
More than 10,000 people in Whangarei enjoyed the light and sound extravaganza that Auckland company Boom Boom Fireworks put on in the annual Whangarei Lions Fire Works Spectacular at Toll Stadium.
An Imperial Stormtrooper ( Waipapa 16-year-old Abbey Jennings) with one-year-old Levi Huddard.
"It was a great family night, a fantastic fireworks display. I don't know how we could have made it better," head of the club's fireworks show committee, Merv Williams, said.
He said people appreciate the safety aspects of a massive organised display as well as the feel-good community factor.
Kerikeri girls Melody Brogan, 13, Brodie Barrat, 12, and Bella Kinnon, 12, in the bonfire's glow.
Meanwhile, an estimated 2500 people packed the grounds of Springbank School near Kerikeri on Saturday for the only professional fireworks show in the Mid North.
While waiting for nightfall and the chance to see $5000 worth of pyrotechnics explode, visitors were kept entertained by student bands, cheerleaders and hip-hop dancers.
The annual event is a major fundraiser for the school.
Eight-year-old Aimee Botma from Paihia captures the bonfire on a phone.
