Tauranga's biggest Guy Fawkes fireworks show at Baypark is cancelled due to the impact of noise on the birds being kept at the Wildlife Response Centre in Te Maunga.
Tauranga City Council cancelled the fireworks section of the speedway event to protect the 403 birds being cared for at the centre located less than 500m from the speedway. The night's race meet will still go ahead.
The centre was set up on October 6 to handle oiled wildlife harmed or at-risk from the oil leak from Rena, the 236m container ship grounded on the Astrolabe Reef.
At the centre there are 337 little blue penguins, one shearwater, one tern, one Australian gannet, three pied shags and 60 rare New Zealand dotterels.
Mayor Stuart Crosby says the council has been working with wildlife response members and Baypark officials on alternatives to cancellation, but the potential impact of the fireworks on the birds is deemed too great a risk to go ahead.
'We looked at a number of options including relocating the birds and bringing the dotterels into the sound proofed part of the arena, but the transfer of the birds would be too stressful so we have decided not to proceed with the fireworks.”
Oiled Wildlife Response team manager Kerri Morgan says the sharp bangs let off from fireworks can make the birds frightened and cause them to injure themselves.
'Birds can tolerate low level background noise but those significant impact noises from the fireworks can cause the birds to get very frightened and stressed and injure themselves.”
Kerri says the 60 endangered dotterels housed in aviaries, nearest to Baypark were one of the main concerns.
'These birds, you have to be very careful about your movements around them.
'You have to be quite slow and steady and not make any sudden or sharp movements or noises that what's really upsets them and causes them great stress.”
Kerri is pleased with the discussions with Baypark management and Tauranga City Council and the outcome.
'They have listened to our concerns and I think we have a really good resolution for the birds.”
Baypark general manager Ervin McSweeney says although the fireworks section of Saturday's speedway event will not take place, the night should still be fun with racing set to go ahead.
The noise of the vehicles is of a pitch which is not believed to harm the wildlife.
'We are working on providing alternative entertainment to make it a memorable night for everyone.”
He says there is a bigger picture to be considered and they do not want to compromise the efforts of the wildlife team working to protect the birds at the centre next door.
'We are very respectful of the efforts that are going on to try and ensure the wildlife and conservation aspects are taken care of, and we don't want to be counterproductive to that.”
Saturday night's event was one of two fireworks evenings planned for this speedway season but Ervin says they will not be running any fireworks shows until it is deemed safe to the birdlife at the response centre.
'The fireworks shows will be reinstated as soon as the safety of the birds is ascertained and that will be sometime in the future.
'We hope to reschedule this show until another time, perhaps around New Years but we will be monitoring the progress of the birds, especially the dotterels which is the biggest concern.”
35 comments
Great idea
Posted on 02-11-2011 12:20 | By jaimilee
I think that is a great idea, glad to see
stupid stupid stupid....
Posted on 02-11-2011 12:23 | By wreck1080
They should ban the speed way too, surely that will make a lot of noise. I've heard those cars, they make a horrendous racket.
You should move then
Posted on 02-11-2011 12:49 | By suehoughton
The speedway was there long before they built the houses. If you don't like the noise you know what to do.
@wreck1080
Posted on 02-11-2011 12:49 | By tabatha
So I can presume you go to the speedway to get the thrill of the noise! Doubt it, so really you not in a position to say the above. Sorry if I get it wrong. Great the steps that are being taken for the sake of the birds and I am sure the drivers will think of them too.
Ban Guy Fawkes
Posted on 02-11-2011 13:00 | By jimmi
full stop, it is not just the birds, how about the dogs,cats, and other pets, I guess if it feels good do it, at least it is a start. And while they are at it, ban the pubs from opening past 1.00 am as the noise disturbs my sleep patterns.
birds
Posted on 02-11-2011 13:05 | By Ross01
suehoughton, read the article again. It refers to endangered birds (unless you class yourself as one) housed in aviaries. Can't see anywhere that people are complaning about noise
change of venue
Posted on 02-11-2011 13:10 | By YakYak
IF the fireworks are that much of a deal, then find a new venue, there are lots and lots of places which could hold the fireworks. The birds are having a terrible time, there homes and families have been destroyed and we should show them some kindness.
@suehoughton
Posted on 02-11-2011 13:11 | By bryceh
are you talking about the birds or people in their homes? This story is about the sick and injured birds that would be at risk from the noise. I think you are on a "very" different wavelength!
To wreck1080
Posted on 02-11-2011 13:16 | By reeceracer
Shut your bloody windows & get a life.I like my motorsport,I respect the decision to protect the birds,but whingers like you need to move into the bush.But then the wildlife makes noise 24/7 not just one evening the odd weekend over summer.
Idiotic!
Posted on 02-11-2011 13:18 | By The_Beer_Baron
Just for a couple of stupid birds the ruin the enjoyment of hundreds of people. Absolutely pathetic in my opinion. Now since there is no public display we will have people setting off their own and causing harm to themselves and others. Pretty sure people are slightly more important than a few birds.
Speak english
Posted on 02-11-2011 13:39 | By wreck1080
@tabatha .... Are you suggesting the drivers will reduce their speed to make less noise? "Birds can tolerate low level background noise " It is hardly low level noise. These speedway vehicles are very loud. @suehoughton...they cannot move the birds, the article states ... "We looked at a number of options including relocating the birds and bringing the dotterels into the sound proofed part of the arena, but the transfer of the birds would be too stressful" Just remember, this is not a permanent ban. Just one-off measures for the NZ's worst environmental disaster and they can reschedule events for later.
FANTASTIC
Posted on 02-11-2011 14:09 | By 0800mymechanic
With all the money and time invested in these birds Im so glad we have not put them in a position that may harm them. Top Job :D
ON Behalf of Baypark Speedway
Posted on 02-11-2011 14:41 | By Steve the Maori
SPEEDWAY PRESS RELEASE - Baypark Speedway is ALL go this weekend. Sadly due to the close proximity and potential impact created by the noise and percussion of our Fireworks display to the endangered and protected wildlife affected by the ongoing Rena Disaster, We have been given no choice but to postpone the advertised fireworks. Instead we will be running a Special Baypark Speedway BIG FAMILY NIGHT OUT featuring visiting Australian Sprintcar Star Peter Murphy. Murphy the current 3NZ driving the Dalton's Maxim is making his first appearance of the season at Baypark Speedway after finishing 2nd runner up at last seasons NZ Title. We also have a few surprises and a first for Baypark that will keep families entertained. Again we regret the postponement of the Fireworks but ensure you that we'll have action and excitement on the track. Baypark Speedway An offer was made to the Wildlife staff to move the 400+ brid's to another location but due to the stress the endangered and protected wildlife are already suffering we respected the decision not to accept the request. We hope to reschedule this meeting for early in the New Year depending on the ongoing crisis with the Rena.
Permanent Ban
Posted on 02-11-2011 14:50 | By bobsm8
Ban them completely.. the amount of idiots young and old who use guy fawkes as just another excuse to get tanked and create trouble. Unless it's a show with professionals nup Ban them ~ no trouble then all round and the animals can breathe a sigh of relief. FYI: A good natural sedative for your animals is sedapet you can get it from your pet store or vet ..very good.
bombsm8
Posted on 02-11-2011 15:38 | By jimmi
Cool drugs for dogs as well, why not Dotterells?, then all and sundry,can get stoned and have some fun.
Reality check ...
Posted on 02-11-2011 15:40 | By Murray.Guy
The result will be many more thousands of dollars spent by families, teenagers putting at risk themselves, property, wildlife and the environment - as sure as one and one makes two, the negative outcomes will by far exceed the unquantified risk to the birds at the nearby Wildlife Response Centre. The Wildlife Response Centre is located underneath the flight path of the airport, within meters of the industrial activities of the transfer station and recycling centre, and trains, and of course,the speedway (racing will continue). To postpone the fireworks will result in a huge loss in income for the Baypark facility which IS A LOSS to ratepayers! Do not be fooled by those that say otherwise! The postponement of the fireworks will, in effect, create two weekends of fireworks, further aggravating those in our community who oppose fireworks, further disturbing the wildlife that exists in the surrounding wetlands at Baypark! We will add to the injuries and mayhem that result from the private use of fireworks - all to give the appearance of reducing the perceived risk to those birds that are in fact, 'least at risk', in a protected and caring Wildlife Centre! One place I don't want to be this Saturday is at the SPCA, A & E Tauranga Hospital, or on the gate at Baypark Speedway!
WHAT ABOUT HEARING 'SAFETY'?
Posted on 02-11-2011 17:04 | By BUSH WACKER
So a few birds are affected, commendable to make the change. Wish it was permanent of course anyway not spending on fireworks will help the financially ravaged ratepayers by the loss being a lottle less one hopes. There are dogs, cats and people that are affected every meeting becasue of the excessive noise from the cars, the noise is over the allowable limit from the resource consent and of course the well planned schemes of the noise control officials residing in Hamilton (for noise testing) does not help at all in things being done properly. People and of course animals have been there a lot longer than the speedway so let me see who is more important. Anyway the speedway would be better shut down and shift to the TECT out doors facility way out of town.
bugger
Posted on 02-11-2011 17:47 | By blocker
ok so its been canned the fireworks could we maybe claim on rena insurance.
Posted on 02-11-2011 20:00 | By traceybjammet
goodness there are some whingers around. The cancelling of one or two fireworks shows to help out the birds is no big deal. Yes ban the sale of fireworks and its time for guy fawkes to go but then like other places we can have controlled shows for the public family evenings around the waterfrony maybe. lets have a community and just get out in the real world and have fun fireworks, controlled, people out and about spending money etc it all goes around when its all together-
Sorry Bush Wacker ...
Posted on 02-11-2011 20:11 | By Murray.Guy
Sorry Bush Wacker, this decision will cost the ratepayers dearly, in more ways than one. The Nov 5 Fireworks speedway event is a significant money earner for the 'speedway promotion'. Likely the most profitable meeting of the season. The profits generated by speedway are real and long term will go some way to reducing the ratepayer liability for the heavily subsidized activities at the new TECT Arena. There will also be significant community cost with injuries and fires from the increase in home use of fireworks.
Your Goddam Joking!
Posted on 02-11-2011 20:32 | By TheCameltoeKid
I've not read much about this so here's my opinion, this country has to many Do-gooders in power. What a bunch of Nut Bars. Carve-em up and sell-em to the sushi bars I say! As for the speedway,birds are birds,put air muffs then they are there OK! Get over it! THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY IS DON'T VOTE LABOUR!
Is a shame but i can undertsand why...
Posted on 02-11-2011 20:38 | By Vaughn
Good to see they will put them on at new years instead of just canning it all together. But yes, it will unfortunately make quite a drop in gate takings i`m sure. I think its fair enough to put them off with the wildlife being so close but wouldn`t you think the council would have had them further away from there anyway....? (Just saying...)
Posted on 02-11-2011 23:13 | By petebennett@xtra.co.nz
It could only happen in NZ.
speedway noise
Posted on 02-11-2011 23:21 | By Capt_Kaveman
i live pretty close and it an't that bad, what bugs the crap outta me is noisey boy racer cars and motorbikes screaming down the motorway from Temunga at full throttle, and early hrs of the morning some cop getting his quota every 10-15mins starting around 6am and on sun to make it worse, to top it off if i may carry on those little cesna planes make one hell of a racket at 7am, + not to forget how motorcross bikes are allowed over in the railway triangle digging up the sand only for it to blow over the hway and into houses nearby
Another nail
Posted on 02-11-2011 23:40 | By tibs
Yes, any losses will help justify the long term decline of the speedway. I'm sure Erv the swerve will front for anything that leads to the demise of speedway. As the GM of Baypark, could he tell us what the two professional chefs do between events? Whilst supporting not having the fireworks for the good of the birds, the Wildlife Response Centre is a little distance from the speedway.
Its quite simple
Posted on 03-11-2011 06:44 | By jimmi
Blow up the Council Chambers, or even better the Rena, then everyone can celebrate a local event for years to come, and not a long lost inane explosion by a person with a surname of Guy!!!!, now theres a thought, lets blame it all on Murray.
MURRAY OUT OF TOUCH THERE
Posted on 03-11-2011 12:42 | By BUSH WACKER
@ Murray Guy, it is not I that tis mistaken here but you. Baypark does not make any money last years results were appalling with a big loss again, so many staff running around with no place to go and less to do. Yes the gate takings for this one event will be less by a large margin, but that will be minor once rescheduled later in the season, in fact on a low turn out night (most meetings) the overall result maybe better? Regardless the fact still remains that Baypark need cash in for each and every activity it runs, it is a rare day to turn a profit anywhere there. The sad part is that TCC ratepayers have been saddle with this edifice and that many questions remain unanswered such that they are in error treated as being of a querulous nature! When in fact the answers are what is in fact the shortcoming in it all. You do indeed know this and have done so from the beginning. I agree ratepayers will yet again pay dearly and without remedy or chance to recoup the disastrous situation as it is and has always been, history here will tell us that should we all be aware of the truth of it then we should be regretting each and every decision related to this 'master-piece of willful financial destruction of the public purse!'. I can not see how Speedway can make a profit, never mind contribute anything towards the TECT Baypark Arena 'BLACK HOLE". Of course the only difference between the two facilities is the scale of said 'BLACK HOLE" all other facets of it are the same: decisions, losses, debt, interest, over staffed and of course a burden to all ratepayers, the children and grandchildren infinitum. Murray, a simple question for you ... if it was your money you were spending would you buy Baypark? TECT Baypark Arena? I know what the answer is but are you prepared to say it here and now, just a simple 'yes' or 'no'.
BUSH WACKER - YES
Posted on 03-11-2011 17:58 | By Murray.Guy
TCVL has purchased the 'rights to promote speedway meetings' at Baypark, purchased off Baypark Promotions Ltd. This is the FIRST speedway season. The speedway promotion component is a proven and significant profit earning activity. Would I invest in, have purchased the speedway promotion rights under the same terms and conditions as TCVL - ABSOLUTELY, definitely, YES!
GOOD QUESTIONS FOR MURRAY
Posted on 03-11-2011 20:29 | By SCOTT NUFFIN4U
If it was your money you were spending would you buy Baypark? TECT Baypark Arena? I know what the answer is but are you prepared to say it here and now, just a simple 'yes' or 'no'. COME ON mURRAY TELL US ALL WOULD YOU BUY THEM OR NOT?
SCOTT NUFFIN4U - NO to TECT Arena
Posted on 04-11-2011 08:55 | By Murray.Guy
I did not, still don't, support the process and procurement that secured the $41,000,000 TECT Arena. TECT Arena as a independent sports and event venue will never be, could never be, self sustaining, any more than a library, a rugby field. The TECT Arena is now completed and functioning. To date I have nothing but praise for the outcomes achieved. - NO, I would not invest in TECT Arena anticipating a financial return. SPEEDWAY PROMOTION - Yes. If we can somehow ensure a tight rein is kept on expenditure (difficult as TCVL is a CCO), maximise income (including fireworks meetings, there is a very real opportunity to reduce the ratepayer subsidy that IS REQUIRED for the TECT Arena.
Its a shame...........
Posted on 04-11-2011 09:23 | By kiwigrunt
but its right to cancel this event for this year and for all of you non locals who were stupid enough to buy property in the area of Bay Park, shut up and move, Bay Park was there long before any of you lot turned up and wrecked my home town.
SHORT A PICNIC BASKET
Posted on 04-11-2011 16:14 | By YOGI
Murray, you are dreaming that Baypark will make money, the things you say like 'tight rein is kept on expenditure ...' is actually the problem, that is impossible to do. Cunning Bob the Builder who has offloaded this mess to TCC ratepayers had just a few staff there now there seems to be a whole mirard of 'pavement wanderers' and assorted 'seat warmers' so the hurdle is to high mate. As I see it there are to many overpaid big heads feeding out of to many picnic baskets!
MURRAY HELPFUL BUT NO CIGAR YET!
Posted on 05-11-2011 19:33 | By SCOTT NUFFIN4U
TECT Arena: You say "NO" but add "..." is added, to many additives mate, just a straight answer mate is what is being asked for can you do that? Your options are 'yes/no' or 'good/bad', just pick "one" of those. Baypark has and is making loss every year since TCC sprewed out a heap a ratepayers money at it to buy it in 2007. That loss each year has only ever increased. Can you tell us folks where the 'profit' is I am having a lot of trouble finding it? Perhaps you could point ya finger in the right direction so as to give us simple, peasant, turkey ratepayin folks a bit of a hint where it is maybe, that would help, cheers mate.
TECH ARENA
Posted on 06-11-2011 00:15 | By SCARLET PIMPINEL
Nice facility, way to flash for a couple a basket ball courts on Saturday morning. TCC plans show 20% of costs will be the target for income in for the first year that must be the bench mark where that then is called a "profit" and next the story will change to one of a successful "investment". Of course that does not record the true cost. The quote to build was $39.4m or so, but that did not include everything especially the overrun of costs as well as teh final fitout that was tendered separately, the real deal is almost $50m in total cost and that will be partly buried somewhere else in TCC where no one will find it. Bit like all the borrowings, TCC borrows the money and then buys shares in Tauranga City venues Limited, that is how the money gets into TCVL then they pretend that TCVL has no debt, truth is a lot different of course, the cost to borrow is somewhere else, most likely added to the debt that the SIF's and BIF's are meant to pay for but that is not truthful and real, that is just smudging the truth off sideways somewhere else so as it can not be seen clearly that is all.
fireworks
Posted on 08-11-2011 09:39 | By tonyb1
What about the park in Matua it was a great event every year and was pavked out, that got stopped by a few moaning idiots and no birds there, I agree protect the birds but surely when the face of BOP was on T.V telling us about what he was going to do , did he not think about the fireworks display then ? he is after all on the TCVL board and fully aware of the fireworks night when the speedway rights were purchased or maybe it was so secret (as the price paid is) hat Crosby didnt even know ???? cloaks and daggers style
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