Lester cancels Guy Fawkes
Stuff reports:
Wellington’s mayor is pulling the plug on the city’s 22-year-old Guy Fawkes festival in favour of the Māori New Year festival, Matariki.
Mayor Justin Lester said Matariki ought to be a cornerstone celebration, rather than the long-running November tradition, which marked the anniversary of an attempt to blow up British parliament more than 400 years ago.
Score one for the political correctness police. Bye bye to a wonderful 400 year old tradition.
No problem at all with celebrating Matariki, but who says it has to be either/or. Having fireworks for Guy Fawkes is a wonderful tradition that the Mayor is unilaterally killing.
Lester said he had canvassed councillors and had strong support, however councillor Iona Pannett said she did not agree.
The move would be risky because people may gather in public parks with their own fireworks, she said.
She supported celebrating Matariki – but not at the expense of Guy Fawkes and would like to see fireworks at both events.
“It’s been a long part of our history and despite what it represents, we live in a multicultural environment and it’s about celebrating traditions.”
In a rare move I agree 100% with Iona.