NZ$200k for 24 minutes End of Year Fireworks

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 13 December 2023: The Samoa Tourism Authority is excitedly gearing up for the end of the year Waterfront Christmas celebration that will cap off with a 15 minutes fireworks show at a cost of NZ$200,000.

Samoa Tourism Authority Senior Sales & Marketing Officer, Lefao Iulai Lesa said the norm for fireworks is 12-15 minutes and Upolu will get to see a 15 minute show while a 7-9 minutes show is in line for Savaii.

The fireworks will be provided by Van-Tiel Company from New Zealand and will operate from a barge inside the Apia harbour as the finale of the Apia Waterfront Christmas Event and the Savai’i fireworks will be on the seaside of the Siufaga Beach Resort.

The fireworks display will be the highlight of the festive season celebrations that will start with the Santa Claus Xmas Parade on 20 December and the launch of the Christmas Carol Singing and Night Market for two days. The events are open for families and members of the public to witness, participate and enjoy.

Police and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority will be on standby and will have fire tenders located along Beach Road especially on the fireworks night given the vicinity of the fireworks on a barge inside the Apia harbour.

Previous fireworks operated from Lalovaea and drew complaints from residents because of the noise and the threat of a fire.

The Waterfront Xmas Organising Committee (l-r) Levao Iulai Lesa (STA), Fanaea Natu Taulealo (STA), Losa Maia’i, Niumata Kitiona Pogi – Chairman of the Fireworks Committee, Fiaailetoa Charlotte Chan Mow Brunt and Inspector Matofai Mata’u Esau Lotu.