Masterminding the spectacular

KELLY HODEL/Waikato Times

MAN OF FIRE: Pyrotechnics whiz Martin van Tiel puts the finishing touches to some of the roman candles to be used in Guy Fawkes fireworks displays at Morrinsville and Waitakere this weekend.

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Martin van Tiel never tires of blowing things up.

His signature is on many fireworks displays, whether for All Black rugby tests – yes, he did the South Africa test at Waikato Stadium, at Auckland's Sky Tower or the Pricewaterhouse Coopers Fireworks Extravaganza at Morrinsville.

Guy Fawkes week is his busiest week of the year and has been two months in the planning. Dr van Tiel's orchestrated 12 shows in seven days from Palmerston North to north of Auckland.

He's also masterminded four of the fireworks displays in the Waikato this week.

Notably, there is no organised public Guy Fawkes celebration in Hamilton. A Hamilton City Council spokesperson said it was looking at organising a Garden Place event next year.

So where to go for the biggest bang? Dr Van Tiel said any Waikato event would be worth attending, with Kihikihi, Huntly and Morrinsville each having up to 15-minute fireworks displays.

Cathy Balvert, of the Morrinsville Promotion Association, said it had wide family entertainment including musicians, bouncy castles, slides, flight simulator and a large after-fireworks bonfire. Organised events have the Fire Service tick of approval.

Waikato fire safety officer Dave Jenkins said there had been horrific injuries over the years when backyard fireworks went wrong.

"We recommend families and friends attend public displays where fireworks are lit under a controlled environment. It is much better value too."

During the four days of fireworks sale last year, firefighters attended 361 incidents, compared to 1700 in 2006, before a Government clampdown on firework sales.

WAIKATO'S BIG BANGS

Tomorrow: McDonald's Te Awamutu Community Guy Fawkes Display and Speedway Spectacular, cnr Grey and Oliver Sts. Racing starts at 5.30pm.

Saturday: Waikato Fireworks Fiesta, Ohaupo Rugby Club grounds, Forkert Rd, gates open at 5pm; PricewaterhouseCoopers Fireworks Extravaganza, Morrinsville Recreation grounds, gates open at 5.30pm; Fireworks spectacular and racing Huntly Placemakers Speedway, McVie Rd, after racing.