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.