The word "Sydney" then spread across the arch before a multi-coloured waterfall of fireworks cascaded down from the world famous structure. In Sydney all harbour vantage points were full two hours before the 9 pm family fireworks lit up the harbour, building excitement for the $7 million extravaganza. He said the size of the crowd was something he didn't foresee but said it was handled much better than his own capital city's New Year's Eve celebrations. "Prime vantage points filled up fast around the Sydney foreshore early in the evening and while a number of incidents occurred, most people were well behaved," Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said. Crowds were evacuated from the Terrigal beach after the barge caught fire just minutes into the New Year's Eve fireworks show shortly after 9pm on Sunday.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 31, 2017 20:48 UTC