Fire in the Sky returns to Waiōuru with fireworks and family festivities

Fire in the Sky will be held at Waiōuru Sports Complex on November 8. Photo / NZME

The sky over Waiōuru will light up with a fireworks extravaganza during a night of fundraising.

Fire in the Sky is the Waiōuru Community Committee‘s annual fireworks show. On November 8, $4000 worth of fireworks will light up the night.

“Fire in the Sky is our way of getting everyone together and saying thanks to those who keep our beautiful community ticking,” committee chairman Dean Cootes said.

“The families, the volunteers, the schools, the firefighters and all the groups who put in the mahi all year round.”

The fireworks display will be at the Waiōuru Sports Complex where there will be a large bonfire and family activities, including sports, crafts, games, glow toys and bouncy castles.

A variety of food will be available, including hāngī, fried bread, pulled pork buns, hot chips, Thai food, waffles, ice cream sundaes, candyfloss and more.

The festivities will run from 5pm until late and the event is cash only.

It is estimated to pull a crowd of 600 people from across Waiōuru, Taihape, Ohakune and the wider Rangitīkei region.

“Waiōuru might be a small place but it’s got a big heart,” Cootes said.

“We are one big whānau here so to be able to put on something this big for our people, and to see everyone come together for a good cause, is pretty special.”

The money raised will go towards community groups in the area, such as the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge which raises funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, 360 Rangatahi, Waiōuru School, DLADS-M and more.

“We are lucky to live in the most beautiful place in the world and, even though we are a pretty transient army area, it’s events like this that keep people coming back for more or make them stay longer,” Cootes said.

“That’s what makes Waiōuru and our people so special.”