Firefighters are encouraging one person to cause a massive explosion in Queenstown next week.
Frankton Volunteer Fire Brigade member Bill Falcone is the mastermind behind Queenstown's New Year's Eve fireworks display over Lake Wakatipu.
Mr Falcone also decided a novel fundraiser for the brigade, which was raising money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, would be to auction the right to "press the big red button'' which will ignite the display.
The idea had "taken off like a skyrocket'', he said.
Air New Zealand had offered two return flights to Queenstown from anywhere in New Zealand if the person who won the auction was not a district resident, and other businesses were coming on board, he said.
The prize package includes the return flights, airport transfers, two nights' accommodation, igniting the fireworks display, a Shotover Jet trip for two, dinner at Ivy and Lola's for two and a meal from Fergburger.
Mayor Vanessa van Uden said the Queenstown Lakes District Council had no hesitation in aligning its New Year's Eve celebrations with such a worthy cause.
"Volunteer firefighters give back to our community every day, and we're very happy to be able to support them in this way with their unique fundraiser.''
The online auction opened at 2pm yesterday and will close at 9.30pm Monday.
By yesterday afternoon "Start New Year with a Bang in Queenstown'' had raised $265.
