After being rained out twice, an annual fireworks charity show at the Beachlands Speedway has been dampened down once again - this time by expectant mothers.
Once a year, Beachlands Speedway hosts an "I Am Hope" fundraiser night, usually topped off with a fantastical fireworks display as a grand finale.
The event was usually hosted in November.
Beachlands Speedway president Matt Stewart said this year, the original date slot for the event was rained out, then the alternative date later in November was postponed again due to rain.
The fireworks and event was pushed back to this weekend. However, their permit for fireworks was revoked after the Department of Conservation (Doc) raised concerns about spooking pregnant sea lions.
"We’ve got to take care of our environment - we take our responsibility seriously and we fully respect the Doc’s decision.
"With a large number of pregnant animals coming to shore, it’s essential to minimise any disturbances."
The event would be delayed until the end of the sea lion breeding season, sometime around March, Mr Stewart said.
This weekend’s meet would be going ahead without fireworks.
As a special offer, Beachlands Speedway would now let under-16s in for free, Mr Stewart said.
